Eye project

Eye project

targets elderly

The Virginia Eye Care Project, a statewide program for the disadvantaged elderly, is bringing medical eye care at no out-of-pocket cost to hundreds of older Americans who otherwise might have had to go without it.

Program officials have determined that 31 percent of patients seen so far had never had an eye exam until they called the toll-free Helpline for a referral to one of the program’s volunteer eye physicians.

The Virginia Helpline, at 1-800222-EYES (3937), has been operating since May 19. Complete nationwide service began recently, when New York City joined the computer network.

Through the toll-free number, operating weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in all time zones, U.S. citizens and legal residents age 65 and over can obtain medical eye care and information. Callers who have medical eye problems, but who don’t have an ophthalmologist or haven’t seen one in the past three years, are eligible for eye care at no out-of-pocket cost to them.

“We know we’re reaching our target population when nearly a third of these patients have never had an eye examination,” said David W. MacMillan, MD, president of the Virginia Society of Ophthalmology, which is sponsoring the program locally.

The program is designed to reach older Americans who are vulnerable to blinding eye disease due to lack of finances, medical insurance, or information about eye disease, Dr. MacMillan said. From three to five percent of older Americans are not covered by Medicare, and many cannot afford deductibles and co-payments, or are afraid of surgical expenses they might incur, he added.

Patients without Medicare or other insurance will receive care at no charge. For those who have coverage, participating ophthalmologists will accept insurance as payment in full for their services, with billing