co-payments or deductibles. Since the Helpline opened, 1,299 older

co-payments or deductibles.

Since the Helpline opened, 1,299 older Virginia residents have called for eye care or information. Of the callers, 800 — 18 of whom have no insurance — have been referred to local volunteer ophthalmologists for examination and treatment. Of these, 52.3 percent are being treated for cataracts, 11.7 percent for macular degeneration, 4.4 percent for glaucoma, and 2 percent for diabetic retinopathy.

“This is not just a one-time service,” Dr. MacMillan said. “These ophthalmologists have agreed to see patients who need sustained medical care for as long as necessary to treat the conditions diagnosed in the iniHal pYam iy

When’ a person calls 1-800-222EYES, computers match the caller with a physician as close to the patient’s home as possible. The patient is mailed the name of the volunteer physician, and then schedules an appointment.

If hospital care is required, ophthalmologists work with local hospitals to make care available. (Hospital charges, eye glasses and prescription drugs are not paid for through the program.)

Patients who are eligible for Medicare but not enrolled will be mailed information on how to get coverage. Those who call the Helpline but are ineligible for treatment

will be mailed a brochure describing eye disease of the elderly and their warning signs.

The National Eye Care Project is co-sponsored by the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and ophthalmology societies in all 50 states. It is supported by

voluntary donations from ophthalmologists, contributions from ophthalmic companies, and a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The program is the recipient of the President’s Citation Award for public service programs. President Reagan himself has described the program as an example of “volunteerism at its finest—one group of Americans offering care to another.”