December 30, 1999
Sacramento — Low-income workers and their families in California can sign up now through January to receive free eye care through a program called VISION USA.
During March of each year, optometrists who are members of the California Optometric Association are among over 7,000 optometrists nationwide who donate their services through VISION USA, to provide free comprehensive eye exams to low-income people.
Although this service helps people of all ages, VISION USA 2000 will mark the programs new emphasis on aiding children. This focus aligns with VISION USA's commitment to "America's Promise—The Alliance for Youth," a program headed by retired General Colin Powell that brings together business, government and non-profit organizations to help "at-risk" youth.
To qualify for the free eye care, people must: have a job or live in a household in which at least one member is working part-time; have no health insurance that covers eye exams; meet certain income criteria base on household size; and have not had an eye exam at a doctor's office within the last two years.
People can obtain application forms from VISION USA, 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141. Completed forms must be postmarked by January 21, 2000, according to Richard H. Kendall, O.D., Sacramento, CA, the VISION USA coordinator for California.
Applicants will also be screened for eligibility by phone, but only from January 3 through 31, 2000. The number call is (800) 766-4466. Phone lines will be open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (CST). Interested persons are encouraged to apply early AND IN WRITING because of the heavy demand for the phone lines in January.
"Good vision is important not only for adults to obtain and maintain a job, but also for children to learn and progress in school. Unfortunately, there are thousands of children unable to get the eyecare they need, even though a parent works, because they are not eligible for government support," said Dr. Kendall. "Some also have eye health conditions that could cause vision loss if left untreated."
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