Eyesight is one of our most precious senses. Most vision impairment is easily corrected with eyeglasses, but for those who lack money for corrective lenses, this is a problem. Fortunately, there are many different programs that offer not only free eyeglasses but eye exams as well. Take advantage of these resources, if you qualify, so you can get your eyeglasses for free.
Instructions
Things You’ll Need:
Computer with Internet
American Optometric Association
1.Visit the American Optometric Association (AOA) website. The AOA counts about 36,000 doctors of optometry, optometry students and paraoptometric assistants and technicians among its members, according to the website. The AOA and its affiliates work to provide the public with quality vision and eye care, so you will find that they have many different resources for those seeking free eyeglasses.
2.Scroll down on the main page until you come to a section titled “Public Health” toward the bottom of the screen. This section has several different sources available for those in need of eye health care resources.
3.Click on the link that best applies to your situation. Each link (Community Health Centers, Healthy Eyes Healthy People®, InfantSEE®, Vision USA and Optometric Disaster Relief Fund) has a basic description of the services offered. For example, Vision USA provides assistance for low-income, uninsured people and their families by providing basic eye health and vision care services free of charge.
Lions Club
1. Log on to the Lions Club One Sight website. The Lions Club has been offering services to those with impaired vision since 1925. Website information is listed below in the resources section.
2. Scroll down to the section titled “Delivering Sight to Those in Need for More Than 20 Years,” which will provide you information on how to receive free eyeglasses.
3. Find the offer that best fits your needs. The Lions Club One Sight program provides free glasses through local Lions Clubs, a Hometown Day – during which local retail stores like LensCrafters offer free vision exams and eyeglasses to candidates determined by the Lions Club – and the Vision Vans (which travel throughout Northern California).
4. Contact your local Lions Club or the One Sight program to get your free eyeglasses.
New Eyes for the Needy
1. Visit the New Eyes for the Needy website. This nonprofit volunteer organization buys new lens prescriptions and eyeglasses for needy children and adults in the United States, and repurposes old eyeglasses for low-income recipients in other parts of the world. Website information is listed below in the resources section.
2. Scroll down to the spot on the website that is titled “U.S. Eyeglass Voucher Program.” This section has information on how to get free eyeglasses. The New Eyes for the Needy website states that those applying for free eyeglasses must work with a social service agency to apply for New Eyes’ assistance.
3. Apply with a social services agency. If you have not already applied, you can do so right from the New Eyes for the Needy website.