Financial Assistance

We encourage you to contact any of the following programs if you need financial aid to assess or treat an eye problem.

Eye Care

Seniors EyeCare Program
(800) 222-EYES
Services: Free and low-cost eye exams.
Eligibility: US citizens 65 and older who have not had access to an ophthalmologist in the past three years.

Glaucoma EyeCare Program
(800) 391-EYES
Services: Free glaucoma eye exams and initial treatment
Eligibility: US citizens or legal residents who do not have insurance

Vision USA
(800) 766-4466
7 a.m.-9 p.m., CST, Monday through Friday.
Services: Free eye care to uninsured, low-income workers and their families. Eligibility: Requirements vary by state.

Lions Club International
(630) 571-5466 (national office)
Provides financial assistance to individuals for eye care through local clubs. There are Lions Clubs in most localities, and services vary from club to club. Check your telephone book for the telephone number and address of your local club.

Patient Assistance Programs

Several manufacturers of glaucoma medications offer programs to provide free glaucoma drugs to patients who cannot afford it. In most cases, you will need to go through your eye doctor’s office to participate. Tell your eye doctor about your inability to afford the medication and your lack of prescription coverage.

The Medicine Program
(866) 694- 3893
Send e-mail to: help@themedicineprogram.com
This is a volunteer patient advocacy organization, which helps people enroll in the many prescription medication patient assistance programs.

Alcon Patient Assistance Program
Medications: Azopt, Betoptic S., Timolol, Travatan Z
(800) 222-8103, option 2

Allergan Patient Assistance Program
Medications: Alphagan P, Lumigan
(800) 553-6783

Merck Patient Assistance Program
Medications: Cosopt, Timoptic, Timoptic XE, Trusopt
(800) 727-5400 / Alt: (800) 994-2111 (9 am-7 pm EST)

Pfizer Connection to Care
Medication: Xalatan
(800) 707-8990 (9 am-6 pm EST, M-F)

Other Resources

The Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation
(877) 611-4232
Services: Screening for high-risk glaucoma population groups across the nation. Call or go to the website to find out the screening schedules in your area.

Medicare
(800)-MEDICARE or 800-633-4227
Provides an annual dilated eye exam for Medicare beneficiaries over 65 at high risk for glaucoma. Those eligible for this service are: people with diabetes, family history of glaucoma, or African-Americans over 50.

United Way
(800) 411-UWAY

Medical Schools
Many university-based medical schools offer discounted services for those who qualify. Inquire at your local university.

Social Workers
Check in your community for local hospitals and other agencies.