Help With Eye Surgery for the Uninsured

It is common to underscore the importance of your vision, especially if you cannot afford making medical payments. Receiving medical treatment for your eye condition can improve your qualify of life. If you have cataracts or another eye condition that needs attention, but lack insurance, there are resources that provide assistance. Help with eye surgery for the uninsured is available through a variety of foundations and organizations.

EyeCare America is a foundation created by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. They provide financial assistance for eye exams and care for approximately one year. Many receive care without needing to make any out of pocket payments. There are several programs, including Diabetes eye care, Glaucoma care, and care for children.

Vision USA is a program provided by the American Optometric Association that provides free care for the uninsured, low-income individuals and their families. In order to qualify, you should have a job or live in a household where one member is employed, have no vision insurance, have a low income level, and have not had an eye exam more than two previous years.

Lions Club International provides financial help for those who need eye care through local clubs. Members operate several eye programs, such as The Lions Eye Health Program, which is a community organization that promotes healthy vision, awareness, and preventable loss of vision.

Mission Cataract USA provides free cataract surgery to patients of any age who cannot pay otherwise. Surgery scheduling is limited to one day per year, on Mission Cataract Day. The focus is to make sure that the vision impaired can receive health care.

Knights Templar Eye Foundation provides financial assistance for those who need eye surgery, but who are unable to pay or receive government assistance. The Knights Templar provides subsidies to help with surgical treatment for those with eye diseases, although they focus especially on those that will result in blindness if left untreated.

You can contact a social worker at a local community agency to find out about resources that are available in your area. Social workers often maintain a list of local organizations willing to help in emergency situations. Some of these organizations may want you to apply for Medicaid or Medicare before you can receive coverage for your eye condition. Many universities also provide assistance programs for eye care, dental care, and health care, so carefully consider all of your options when you want to request assistance for eye surgery.