EyeCare America Seniors EyeCare Program

September 24, 2004

In honor of "Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day," September 21 the Colorado Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons encourages you to call the EyeCare America Seniors EyeCare Program. This program offers eye exams and care to seniors who are without an ophthalmologist (a medical eye doctor). To see if you, a loved one, or a friend, 65 and older, is eligible to receive a referral for an eye exam and care, call 1-800-222-EYES (3937), 24 hours a day, every day, year round.

"By age 65, one in three Americans has some form of vision-limiting disease. Unfortunately, many aren’t aware they have a disease, or believe poor vision is a natural part of the aging process," said Gary A. Jamell, MD, President of the Colorado Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons. "We need to reach seniors with the message that proper eye care is a significant component of their overall health care."

EyeCare America (ECA), a public service foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, operates the largest public service program in American medicine, including individual eye care programs for seniors, glaucoma, and diabetes. All eligible callers receive a referral to one of 7,500 ECA volunteer ophthalmologists. The seniors program provides a comprehensive eye exam and treatment for any condition detected in the initial visit for up to one year, at no out-of-pocket cost.

Here in Colorado, EyeCare America and its 114 volunteer ophthalmologists have helped more than 4,203 older Americans. Nationwide, EyeCare America has received more than 700,000 calls, provided service to 384,000 and treated more than 183,000 cases of eye disease.