EyeCare America Program

EyeCare America helps eligible adults get medical eye care at no out-of-pocket cost. The program matches you with a volunteer ophthalmologist, which is a doctor who treats eye diseases.

If you qualify, you can get a medical eye exam and up to 1 year of follow-up care for a condition found during the exam. The program does not cover eyeglasses or contact lenses. Learn more about EyeCare America, how it works, and if you can get help from this program.

EyeCare America Program: Quick Facts

What is it?

A program that helps eligible adults get medical eye care

Who qualifies?

Anyone age 18+ who meets the program rules

What does it cover?

A medical eye exam and up to 1 year of follow-up care for a problem found during the exam

What will you pay?

Nothing; there’s no cost for covered care

What it does not cover

Glasses, contact lenses, medications, tests, or surgery

How do I apply?

Answer a few questions on the EyeCare America website. If you qualify, the program may match you with a volunteer eye doctor.

Who qualifies for EyeCare America?

To qualify for the EyeCare America Program, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident

• Be 18 years of age or older

• Not have coverage through an HMO, PPO, private insurance, or VA benefits

• Not have seen an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) in the last 3 years

• Not have already received care from an EyeCare America volunteer doctor in the past

See If You Qualify for Vision Benefits

What eye care services does EyeCare America provide?

If you qualify, EyeCare America covers 1 medical eye exam. A medical eye exam is a visit with an eye doctor (ophthalmologist). They will check the health of your eyes to make sure you don’t have any eye diseases or injuries.

EyeCare America also covers up to 1 year of follow-up visits for an eye problem found during the first exam.

Why do I need a medical eye exam?

Eye exams are important as we get older. That's because your vision changes over time. Some common eye diseases, like age-related macular degeneration, can affect your vision.

An eye doctor can see signs of problems during an exam, even if you have no symptoms. The earlier an eye problem is found, the sooner it can be treated. A medical eye exam can even help identify other health problems, like diabetes.

For people 65 and older, experts recommend a complete eye exam every 1 or 2 years.

Does EyeCare America cover eyeglasses?

No. EyeCare America does not cover eyeglasses exams or prescriptions. It also does not cover:

• Exams or prescriptions for contact lenses

• Fees for eye procedures or surgery, like laser surgery

• Medicine, injections, tests, anesthesia, or surgery center fees

Will I have to pay a copay or deductible?

No. If you qualify for EyeCare America, you won’t pay a copay or deductible for the medical eye exam or covered follow-up visits. But you may have to pay for services EyeCare America doesn’t cover, like glasses, medications, tests, or surgery. Ask the eye doctor about costs before you receive these services.

How do I apply for EyeCare America?

To see if you qualify, you can answer a few short questions on the EyeCare America website. Once you fill out the form, you will get a fast response. If you qualify, you'll get a referral to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) in your area. EyeCare America will never share your information, and they will only contact you if you qualify.

Have more questions about EyeCare America Program?

For more information or to speak to an EyeCare America representative, you can:

• Email: eyecareamerica@aao.org

• Call: 1-877-887-6327

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is EyeCare America only for older adults?

No. EyeCare America is for any adult age 18 and older who meets the program rules.

Does EyeCare America provide a free eye exam?

Yes. If you qualify, you can get a medical eye exam at no out-of-pocket cost. This exam checks for eye diseases and other eye problems. It isn’t an exam for a glasses or contact lens prescription.

Does EyeCare America cover contact lenses?

No. The program does not pay for contact lenses or an exam to get a contact lens prescription.

Does EyeCare America pay for eye surgery?

No. EyeCare America doesn’t pay for surgery, including laser surgery. It also doesn’t cover costs like anesthesia, medicines, tests, or surgery center fees.