Connecticut Optometrists To Provide Free Eye Exams

WEST HARTFORD — For the 11th consecutive year, members of the Connecticut Association of Optometrists (CAO) will provide no-cost eye examinations to those who cannot afford proper eye care as part of the American Optometric Association’s national Vision USA Program.

Registration has begun for the complimentary vision screenings, which will be scheduled during Save Your Vision Month in March, 2001. As applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, Connecticut residents and families who may qualify for the program are encouraged to register early, said Jeanette Jezick, OD, of Gales Ferry, the CAO’s Vision USA Connecticut Coordinator.

“Proper eye care is critical to good health and Vision USA is an outstanding opportunity for so many of Connecticut’s residents who just cannot afford an examination to get the care they need,” said Dr Jezick. “Connecticut’s optometrics are proud to provide this much-needed care and we encourage applicants to register now.”

Nearly 100 Connecticut optometrists participate in the program annually. In 2000, nearly 300 patients qualified for the program in Connecticut. Nationwide more than 7,000 AOA-member optometrists volunteer their services each year. In 10 years, more than 280,000 low-income children and adults have benefited from the program.

Those who qualify for Vision USA in Connecticut are given a comprehensive eye examination. Any eye health or vision problems are diagnosed and, when needed, eyeglass prescriptions are provided. For those who need glasses, Connecticut ODs provide frames free of charge and lenses are provided for a minimal $10 laboratory fee.

To qualify for Vision USA, applicants must have job or live in a household in which at least one member is working part-time or full-time; have no health insurance that covers eye exams; meet certain income criteria based on household size; and not have had an eye exam at a doctor’s office within last two years.

There are three ways to apply: by mail, online, and by telephone. To maximize the number of applicants served and to avoid the busy January calling period, the CAO recommends early application now via either the Internet or mail; phone applications are only taken during January.

To apply via the Internet, applicants may visit the CAO’s Web site at www.cao.org (click on The Eyecare Information Center). Mail applications may be obtained by calling the CAO at 860/586-7508, or 800/677-7714. Completed forms must be postmarked by January 22, 2001. Beginning January 2 and concluding January 31, phone applications may be made by calling toll free 800/766-4466. Questions may be answered by calling the CAO office at 860/586-7508.

Qualified applicants are assigned to a volunteer Connecticut optometric in their area and are notified of their acceptance and assignment by mail in late February. Patients are responsible for making their own appointments once assigned.

The Connecticut Association of Optometrists, founded in 1907, represents more than 300 optometrists statewide. The organization’s mission is to enhance and further the eye health and visual welfare of the people of Connecticut by assuring access to and promotion of the highest standards of professional and ethical primary optometric care.