{"id":20428,"date":"2023-04-25T02:07:01","date_gmt":"2023-04-25T07:07:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20428"},"modified":"2023-07-19T10:51:04","modified_gmt":"2023-07-19T15:51:04","slug":"how-to-find-affordable-eye-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/how-to-find-affordable-eye-care\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Find Affordable Eye Care"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finding affordable vision care is a prominent concern and challenge for many people in the United States. Approximately <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/visionhealth\/basics\/ced\/fastfacts.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12 million Americans aged 40 or older have vision impairment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and about 8 million have impairments resulting from uncorrected refractive errors.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to data from the same Centers for Disease Control (CDC) information referenced above, many U.S. adults avoid seeking vision care because they are worried about cost or unaware of all their options. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.in2013dollars.com\/Eyeglasses-and-eye-care\/price-inflation#\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prices for eye care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have increased by 99% percent over the past 40 years, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/pf\/11\/vision-care-insurance.asp\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vision insurance plans often provide very limited coverage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for medical eye care costs.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While eye care can seem prohibitively expensive, untreated vision impairments can significantly compromise your quality of life and productivity, and may cost you more over time. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to access vision care besides private insurance, and several steps you can take to reduce your risk of eye problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Common eye diseases and disorders<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a variety of prevalent eye problems that can lead to vision impairment and loss. In many cases, outcomes for these conditions can be significantly improved by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/eye-doctors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">early diagnosis and treatment by an eye doctor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of eye problems can help you ensure that you get the right care and minimize your risk of long-term complications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Refractive errors<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refractive errors occur when the eye is unable to focus light onto the retina. They are the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nei.nih.gov\/learn-about-eye-health\/eye-conditions-and-diseases\/refractive-errors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most common type of vision problem in America<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, affecting more than 150 million people. The most common symptoms of refractive errors are double vision, blurred vision, squinting, headaches, and seeing a glare or \u201chalo\u201d around bright lights. However, there are four main types of refractive errors that can each affect eyesight differently:\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Astigmatism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A condition in which the cornea or the lens is misshapen, causing light to bend differently as it enters the eye.<\/span><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Myopia (nearsightedness)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A refractive error in which distant objects appear blurry, but nearby objects are clearly seen.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Hyperopia<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A refractive error in which nearby objects appear blurry, but distant objects are clearly seen.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Presbyopia<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A condition in which the lens hardens and gradually loses its ability to focus light. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nei.nih.gov\/learn-about-eye-health\/eye-conditions-and-diseases\/presbyopia#\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Presbyopia is closely associated with aging<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and usually occurs in people over 45.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the exception of Presbyopia, most types of refractive errors begin during childhood. Individuals with a family history of low vision are at greater risk for refractive errors. Treatment for refractive errors usually involves corrective lenses like glasses or contacts, although some types can be treated with surgery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Age-related macular degeneration<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/eye-health-for-seniors-a-guide-to-vision-concerns-for-aging-eyes\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common vision concern for older adults<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It occurs when the macula \u2014 the part of the retina that controls central vision \u2014 becomes damaged due to aging. Individuals with AMD have difficulty seeing objects that are directly in front of them and may struggle with activities such as reading and driving. There are two primary types of AMD:\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dry AMD<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The most common type of AMD. This occurs when the macula gradually becomes thinner with age. Progression from early to late-stage dry AMD usually takes several years. While there is no way to reverse dry AMD, taking proper care of your eyes can help you prevent it from getting worse. <\/span><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Wet AMD<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Also called advanced neovascular AMD, wet AMD is caused by abnormal blood vessels growing in the back of the eye and damaging the macula. While less common, it can cause faster vision loss than dry AMD. Treatment of wet AMD often involves the use of anti-VEGF (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anti\u2013vascular endothelial growth)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 drugs, which can help prevent the growth of new blood vessels in the eye.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most notable risk factors for AMD are high blood pressure, smoking, being overweight, eating a high-fat diet, and having a history of macular degeneration in the family. You can reduce your risk by getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet that includes leafy greens and fish.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Cataracts<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cataracts are cloudy spots that appear in the lens of the eye. They usually form due to aging, as a result of proteins in the lens breaking down and clumping together over time. However, they can also be caused by exposure to radiation, or by injuries that damage the lens fibers. In some cases, cataracts can occur in children, although this is rare, and is usually a result of family genetics.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The common symptoms of cataracts include blurry vision, double vision, sensitivity to light, difficulty seeing at night, and frequent changes in corrective lens prescriptions. The risk of cataracts generally rises with age, but factors like family history, smoking, alcohol abuse, injuries, excessive exposure to sunlight, diabetes, and steroids can increase it further.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early treatment for cataracts usually involves new corrective lens prescriptions that can help you see more clearly. However, doctors will often recommend surgery if cataracts begin to interfere with everyday activities such as reading and driving. You can help reduce your risk of cataracts by avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and protecting your eyes from injury and sunlight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Diabetic Retinopathy<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetic retinopathy is a condition caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina. It occurs as a result of high blood sugar from diabetes. Over time, this excess sugar in the blood can clog the small vessels that flow to the retina, depriving it of vital nutrients. The eye will try to correct this by growing new blood vessels to replace the blocked ones, but these can leak and bleed easily, leading to further issues.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early-stage diabetic retinopathy often has no symptoms. However, as the condition progresses and blood vessels begin to leak, it can cause dark spots or streaks to appear in the eye. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to other serious eye issues like diabetic macular edema, neovascular glaucoma, and retinal detachment, which can cause vision loss and blindness.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Individuals with all <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/diabetes-101-your-guide-to-different-types\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">types of diabetes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are at risk for diabetic retinopathy. This risk gradually increases the longer you have diabetes. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nei.nih.gov\/learn-about-eye-health\/eye-conditions-and-diseases\/diabetic-retinopathy#\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More than half of all people with diabetes will develop diabetic retinopathy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at some point, but you can lower your risk by avoiding smoking and keeping your diabetes under control.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To treat diabetic retinopathy, doctors will often administer anti-VEGF drugs or use laser treatments to reduce swelling in the retina. In patients with more severe scarring and bleeding, doctors may recommend a surgical procedure called a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nei.nih.gov\/learn-about-eye-health\/eye-conditions-and-diseases\/retinal-detachment\/vitrectomy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vitrectomy <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to remove vitreous fluid from the eye.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Glaucoma<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, which is the nerve responsible for carrying signals from the retina to the brain. There are many varieties of glaucoma, but the most common type is called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nei.nih.gov\/learn-about-eye-health\/eye-conditions-and-diseases\/glaucoma\/types-glaucoma\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">open-angle glaucoma<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which accounts for 90% of all glaucoma cases in America. It is unclear exactly what causes glaucoma, but research has shown that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nei.nih.gov\/learn-about-eye-health\/eye-conditions-and-diseases\/glaucoma\/glaucoma-and-eye-pressure\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">high eye pressure can increase your risk<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In its early stages, glaucoma may not have any noticeable symptoms, which can make it difficult to identify. If it\u2019s allowed to progress, glaucoma can cause gradual vision loss over time, with peripheral vision often being affected first. Eventually, untreated glaucoma can lead to blindness.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While nerve damage from glaucoma cannot be repaired, doctors can use medications, laser treatments, and surgery to reduce pressure in the eye. This can help alleviate symptoms and slow the development of the disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Amblyopia<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amblyopia, also called lazy eye, is a condition that affects the nerve signals between the brain and the eyes. It usually only occurs in one eye, although it can affect both eyes in some cases. Amblyopia develops during childhood and is the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nei.nih.gov\/learn-about-eye-health\/eye-conditions-and-diseases\/amblyopia-lazy-eye#\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most common cause of vision loss among kids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exact root causes of amblyopia are not known, but other vision problems like refractive errors can increase the risk of this condition. Signs of amblyopia in children include symptoms like poor depth perception and behaviors like shutting one eye or tilting the head to see, although it sometimes can be difficult for parents to identify amblyopia without the help of a doctor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Risk factors for amblyopia include premature birth, low birth weight, developmental disabilities, and a history of the condition in the family. Treatment for amblyopia usually involves the application of eye patches or medicated drops that obscure the vision in the child\u2019s \u201cgood eye.\u201d This forces the brain to utilize the weaker eye, which can help it become stronger over time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Strabismus<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strabismus is a condition in which both eyes are unable to look in the same direction at the same time. The most prevalent type of strabismus is commonly known as \u201ccrossed eyes.\u201d Strabismus is a common problem in children, and is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/001004.htm#\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">present at or shortly after birth in more than half of all cases<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, although it can also develop in adults as a result of injury or disease.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The main indicator of strabismus is eyes that appear to look in different directions. Children with strabismus may also be frequently seen shutting one eye or tilting their heads to see more clearly. Strabismus is usually treated with corrective lenses or surgery on the eye muscles, although patching or blurring drops may be used if one misaligned eye is significantly weaker than the other.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Preventing vision loss<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While vision loss is irreversible in many cases, it is also very avoidable. Additionally, identifying eye problems early can help you stop them from progressing and ensure the best possible long-term outcome. Taking the following steps can help you prevent vision loss from a variety of different causes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Get regular eye exams<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many types of eye diseases have no symptoms in their early stages and can go unnoticed for a long time, allowing them to progress unchecked. By visiting an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/ophthalmologists\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ophthalmologist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> who is trained to identify these issues for regular eye exams, you can get any problems you may have diagnosed and receive proper treatment much earlier.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/visionhealth\/resources\/features\/keep-eye-on-vision-health.html#\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early detection and treatment can help prevent vision loss <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">from conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, AMD, and diabetic retinopathy. In addition to regular preventive checkups, it\u2019s also important to stay vigilant for any symptoms and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/when-you-should-really-see-an-eye-doctor\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">visit an eye doctor if you believe it\u2019s necessary<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as this can help minimize the risk of permanent damage and improve the effectiveness of vision loss prevention treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Maintain blood sugar levels<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over time, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/diabetes\/managing\/diabetes-vision-loss.html#:~:text=Over%20time%2C%20high%20blood%20sugar,eye%20diseases%20and%20vision%20loss.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the eye<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and alter the shape of the lens. For diabetics, this can increase the risk of a variety of serious issues that may lead to vision loss or blindness, including diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with diabetes are also about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/diabetes\/overview\/preventing-problems\/diabetic-eye-disease#what-dee\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">twice as likely to develop common eye problems<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as cataracts and glaucoma. Along with getting your eyes checked regularly, keeping your blood sugar and cholesterol under control can help prevent diabetes-related eye problems.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Know your family history<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/tips-prevention\/family-reunions#\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family history is a major risk factor for many common eye problems<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and amblyopia. By knowing your family history, and sharing this information with your ophthalmologist, you can gain a more complete understanding of your own vision risks and develop an effective prevention strategy that suits your unique needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Maintain a healthy diet<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/tips-prevention\/fabulous-foods-your-eyes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nutrition is critical for supporting healthy vision<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Eating a poor diet can cause or contribute to many different eye problems. Fortunately, there are a variety of foods that can benefit eye health:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Vitamin A<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Critical for preventing dry eye and supporting retinal function. Vitamin A can be found in foods like carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, milk, and eggs.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Vitamin C<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Helps protect the eyes from environmental damage and promotes new tissue growth. Vitamin C can be found in foods like bell peppers, broccoli, strawberries, and citrus fruits.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Lutein and Zeaxanthin<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Antioxidants that are critical for protecting the macula. They are found in kale, spinach, collard greens, lettuce, turnips, broccoli, peas, and eggs.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Zinc<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A mineral that can support retinal health and help strengthen the eyes against damage from light. Zinc can be found in kidney beans, lima beans, black-eyed peas, lean red meat, poultry, oysters, and fortified cereals.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By maintaining a healthy diet that incorporates these items, you can ensure that your eyes get the oxygen and nutrition that they need. This can help promote good vision and lower your risk of eye diseases.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Avoid smoking<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just as it can harm other areas of your body, smoking can do significant damage to your eyes. Individuals who smoke are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/tobacco\/campaign\/tips\/diseases\/vision-loss-blindness.html#:\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">twice as likely to develop age-related macular degeneration<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and two to three times more likely to develop cataracts. While quitting smoking is the best way to protect your eyes, getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and protecting your eyes from the sun can also help mitigate this risk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Protective eyewear<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eye damage from traumatic injuries or light exposure can increase the risk of several serious issues such as cataracts and strabismus, and eyeglasses alone cannot provide adequate protection. Using protective eyewear when playing sports or performing hazardous work can help prevent these injuries and any complications they may cause.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The optimal eye protection for you can vary depending on the situation. When performing manual labor at work or around the house, you should always use safety glasses that meet the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.ansi.org\/2020\/04\/ansi-isea-z87-1-2020-safety-glasses-eye-face\/#gref\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards for eye and face protection devices<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Looking for products with the label \u201cANSI Z87.1\u201d can help you ensure that your eye protection meets these standards.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Get plenty of rest<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep deprivation is a common problem that can negatively impact your eyes in several ways. Studies have shown that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/not-getting-enough-sleep-can-disrupt-stem-cell-repair-in-the-cornea\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">poor sleep can affect stem cells in the cornea<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the tear film on the cornea\u2019s surface. Over time, this can compromise the cornea&#8217;s ability to repair itself, which can lead to issues like dry eyes and hyperemia.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can help prevent this by maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, which will vary depending on your age. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/adult-health\/expert-answers\/how-many-hours-of-sleep-are-enough\/faq-20057898\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For adults, experts recommend getting at least seven hours of sleep per night<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, while children aged 13-18 should get 8-10 hours.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Younger children should generally get even more sleep; about 9-12 hours per day between ages 6 and 12, 10-13 hours per day between ages 3 and 5, and 11-14 hours per day between ages 1 and 2. Eyedrops with antioxidants can also help provide relief from the symptoms associated with sleep deprivation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Vision care assistance for people with fixed or low incomes<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many people with vision problems may be reluctant to seek medical attention due to the perceived cost of care. This issue is exacerbated by the fact that many vision insurance plans offer very limited coverage. Fortunately, there are a variety of eye care resources available for people with fixed or low incomes:\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lionsclubs.org\/en\/give-our-focus-areas\/vision\/sightfirst\"><b>Lions Club International<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Lions club international has a history of working to make vision care more accessible and affordable for people in underserved communities. Their scope of work includes delivering eye care services to these communities, training for eye care professionals, funding eye care infrastructure upgrades, informing the public about the importance of eye health, and improving access to education for people with vision loss and visual impairments.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/missioncataractusa.org\/\"><b>Mission Cataract USA<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Mission Cataract is an organization devoted to eradicating preventable blindness caused by cataracts. The program is made up of six surgeons who provide free cataract screening and surgery to patients who have no insurance and no other way to pay.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/new-eyes.org\/\"><b>New Eyes for the Needy<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: New Eyes for the Needy is a non-profit organization operated by the united way that provides free prescription glasses to children and adults who cannot otherwise afford them.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vspproviderhub.com\/eyes-of-hope.html\"><b>VSP Eyes of Hope<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: VSP Eyes of Hope is a program that provides free vision care and eyewear to people affected by economic inequality and natural disasters. They operate by distributing certificates for free eye care to patients through their network of charitable partners, which include the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Association of School Nurses (NASN), the American Red Cross, and Lions Club International. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eyelovecare.com\/\"><b>Eye Love Care<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A program that offers no-cost prescription eyeglasses to people with fixed and low incomes.<\/span><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.americanglaucomasociety.net\/home\"><b>American Glaucoma Society<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: An organization of healthcare professionals devoted to providing glaucoma care, and conducting research, education, and patient advocacy. In addition to connecting patients with care providers, the AGS works to improve our understanding of glaucoma and promote glaucoma awareness among policymakers and the general public.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Living with an untreated vision problem can be very difficult. By utilizing one or more of these programs to access more affordable vision care, you can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/affordable-ways-to-increase-your-quality-of-life\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">improve your quality of life without your finances at risk<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Assistance for accessing medication<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medication is a major cost associated with healthcare. Because many vision insurance plans offer limited coverage for most types of eye care, patients may have difficulty paying for the medication they need. These programs can help patients with low or fixed incomes access more affordable medication for their eyes:\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.needymeds.org\/\"><b>NeedyMeds<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: NeedyMeds is an organization that offers coupons, discount cards, and a variety of informational resources designed to help patients find affordable prescription medications, including price calculators, clinic locators, and links to additional assistance programs.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pparx.org\/\"><b>Partnership for Prescription Assistance<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) is a service that helps connect uninsured and underinsured patients with resources for free and discounted medications. Patients can learn more about the programs available to them by filling out a form with information about their income and the type(s) of medication they\u2019re looking for.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scripthero.com\/\"><b>ScriptHero<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A free online resource that helps patients to find new coupons for prescription medicines and allows them to compare prices from many different pharmacies.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Resources for children<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many types of vision problems begin developing in early childhood, and it\u2019s very important to identify and address them early. The following resources are intended to help children and infants access quality eye care:<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/infantsee.aoa.org\/?sso=y\"><b>InfantSee<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: InfantSee is a public health program affiliated with the American Optometry Association (AOA). It provides comprehensive eye and vision assessments for infants aged 6-12 months at no cost to the family.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lionsclubs.org\/en\/resources-for-members\/resource-center\/sight-for-kids\"><b>Sight for Kids<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Sight for Kids is a program operated by Lions Clubs International and Johnson &amp; Johnson Vision. It provides comprehensive vision services to students at low-income schools around the world, including specialized <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/caring-for-the-eyes-of-children-with-special-needs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">eye care for children with special needs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Medicaid early screening, diagnostic, and treatment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: While Medicaid\u2019s coverage of vision care is limited, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicaid.gov\/medicaid\/benefits\/early-and-periodic-screening-diagnostic-and-treatment\/vision-and-hearing-screening-services-children-and-adolescents\/index.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">it does cover the diagnosis and treatments of some common vision problems for children<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It\u2019s important to research your state\u2019s Medicaid rules to determine what degree of coverage you can receive.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While it can sometimes be difficult to identify vision problems in young children, diagnosing and treating these issues sooner can help ensure better long-term outcomes, and potentially eliminate the need for more expensive care later on in life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">Need a doctor? Find one on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/\">Zocdoc<\/a>.<\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Paying for eye care can be a challenge for many families, especially those with fixed or low incomes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":20430,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[227],"tags":[243,244,56,83],"class_list":["post-20428","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-eye-care","tag-preventative-care","tag-primary-care","tag-wellness","reviewer-dr-nassim-assefi"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Find Affordable Eye Care - Guides<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Paying for eye care can be a challenge for many families, especially those with fixed or low incomes. 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