How to get a FREE Eye Exam

Did you know that up to 80% of Americans do not have an eye exam at least once a year? This is a startling statistic because it’s so easy, and sometimes free, to get your eyes examined by any local optometrist. If you’re one of the 20% who already gets their eyes checked every year, great! But if you’re not, you should start today. It’s worth it to save money, see better, and prevent blindness later in life.

Taking care of your eyes is an essential aspect of overall health, but the cost of eye exams can add up quickly. However, did you know that there are ways to get a free eye exam? In this post, we’ll explore some of the options available to you, so you can take care of your vision without breaking the bank.

FREE Eye Exams for Infants

Not all babies receive eye exams. The American Optometric Association recommends that infants should have their first exam at 6 months, but many babies are not examined until they are much older.
When children don’t receive regular eye exams, undetected vision problems can delay or even prevent development of their eyesight.

InfantSEE

InfantSEE provides a free eye exam for infants within the child’s first year of life, regardless of family income or insurance coverage.

Free Eye Exams for Children

Every year, millions of children go without a basic eye exam. From as young as birth, children can experience decreased vision as a result of heredity problems, prematurity, and other underlying medical conditions. In many cases, these issues can be effectively treated with prescription glasses or contact lenses. However, if left untreated over time, these vision problems may lead to permanent visual impairment.

Check these services for free eye exams for children:

Medicaid

Medicaid coverage is available in every state for children in low-income families. Medicaid pays for a number of services for eligible children, including vision.

Each state has its own eligibility rules and benefits. Contact the Medicaid office in your state for details.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) 

If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, Try CHIP. CHIP provides low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid. 

CHIP benefits are different in each state. But all states provide comprehensive coverage, including vision care. For more information visit the CHIP website.

Free Eye Exams for Adults

Adult vision exams can help detect and prevent many health issues. With the costs of eyeglasses and contacts often prohibitive, it is important for adults with defects in their vision to learn about risks and available solutions. Are you at risk for a vision related complication?

Did you know that most adults aged 40 and over will need a prescription for reading glasses, bifocals, trifocals, or progressive lenses before long?

Check these services for free eye exams for adults:

Vision USA

VISION USA is another program funded by Optometry Cares – The AOA Foundation. It provides free eye exams to uninsured, low-income workers and their families. For more information about VISION USA, call 1-800-766-4466.

EyeCare America

EyeCare America is a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. It provides free eye exams for qualifying seniors.

How to get FREE Eyeglasses

Eyes of Hope

If you can’t afford the vision care you need, VSP Eyes of Hope gift certificates and mobile clinics may be able to help.

New Eyes

New Eyes transforms the lives of children and adults facing financial hardship across the United States with the simple, yet critical, tool of eyeglasses.

Respectacle

The world’s online database of high quality used glasses. ReSpectacle’s goal is to provide a database a distribution system to match donated eyeglasses with persons wishing to obtain those eyeglasses.