National Non-profit Along Offers Eye Exams at No Cost to Virginia Seniors

Online, December 17, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Telling someone about EyeCare America may be the greatest gift to give during the holiday season. The national non-profit organization encourages friends and family in Virginia to visit www.eyecareamerica.org and connect the seniors in their lives with a no out-of-pocket cost eye exam. This national campaign makes it easy for everyone to Give the Gift of Sight!

"Unfortunately, older Americans living on fixed incomes are hurt the most when their healthcare falls by the wayside. I want to make sure that their eye health is not neglected", said Dr. John Sheppard of Virginia Eye Consultants.

Doctors at Virginia Eye Consultants have established a national profile as ophthalmic opinion leaders, as well as an international reputation for their commitment to teaching, research and surgery. All of the doctors are fellowship trained and board certified to provide medical and surgical eye care needs.

Those interested may visit www.EyeCareAmerica.org to see if someone they know qualifies for medical eye care at no out-of-pocket cost. Connecting friends and family members with an eye exam may be the most lasting gift you can give… the Gift of Sight!

Since 1985, over 13,840 have been helped by 181 ophthalmologists across Virginia through EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

This year-round program provides eye exams at no out-of-pocket cost to people age 65 and older and offers free educational materials. The eye exams are provided by a corps of nearly 6,500 volunteer ophthalmologists across the U.S. Those interested in the program can visit www.eyecareamerica.org to see if they are eligible. The organization's online referral center also enables friends and family members to find out instantly if their loved ones are eligible to be matched with an EyeCare America volunteer ophthalmologist.

EyeCare America is designed for people who:
- Are U.S. citizens or legal residents
- Are age 65 and older
- Have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years
- Do not receive eye care services through an HMO or the VA

To see immediately if you, a loved one or a friend, 65 and older, is eligible to receive a referral for an eye exam and care, visit www.eyecareamerica.org.

EyeCare America is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc., with additional support provided by Alcon. The program is endorsed by state and subspecialty ophthalmological societies.

About EyeCare America
Established in 1985, EyeCare America, the public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is committed to the preservation of sight, accomplishing its mission through public service and education. EyeCare America provides eye care services to medically underserved seniors and those at increased risk for eye disease through its corps of nearly 6,500 volunteer ophthalmologists dedicated to serving their communities. More than 90 percent of the care made available is provided at no out-of-pocket cost to the patients. Since its inception, EyeCare America has helped more than 1.7 million people. EyeCare America is a non-profit program whose success is made possible through charitable contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations. More information can be found at: www.eyecareamerica.org