Share with a friendNational Health Campaign Reminds Seniors: "Don't Lose Sight of Your Independence"
June 19, 2007 – San Francisco, CA - This summer EyeCare America is asking seniors, "Don't Lose Sight of Your Independence." The national health campaign is intended to remind the senior community about the value of eyesight. The promotion will highlight all of the wonderful things that we all see -and often take for granted- during the summer months such as vacation destinations, beautiful beaches, national monuments, friends and family and of course a sky filled with spectacular fireworks!
The 3-month long promotional campaign runs June 19 through September 19 and encourages people to call the EyeCare America Seniors EyeCare Program. This program offers eye exams and up to one year of medical care at no out-of-pocket cost for 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). The Seniors EyeCare Program help line operates 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 Richard P. Mills, MD. “We need to reach seniors with the message that proper eye care is a significant component of their overall health care.”
EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, operates one of the largest programs of its kind in American medicine. All eligible callers receive a referral to one of 7,200 ECA volunteer ophthalmologists. The seniors program provides a comprehensive eye exam and treatment for any disease detected in the initial visit for up to one year, at no out-of-pocket cost.
EyeCare America's Seniors EyeCare Program is designed for people who:
- Are US citizens or legal residents
- Are age 65 and older
- Have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years
- Do not belong to an HMO or the VA
For a Seniors EyeCare Program referral, those interested may call the toll-free help line 1.800.222.EYES (3937). The Seniors EyeCare Program help line operates all day, every day, year-round.
Volunteer physicians have agreed to accept Medicare or other insurance as payment in full, resulting in no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. Individuals without insurance of any kind are seen at no charge.
To supplement its award-winning referral program, EyeCare America has recently created a new website specifically designed to assist online users in learning more about vision-limiting diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.
The site, eyecareamerica.org, contains up-to-date clinical information about eye diseases that are reviewed by certified ophthalmologists (Eye M.D.s) with links to current treatments and even an interactive tour of the eye’s anatomy.Visitors can share important health topics with family and friends through a convenient email forward function and order free pamphlets that give in-depth information on treatment, tests/diagnosis, causes and risks factors for a wide variety of common eye diseases.
Other easy to use functions include online tools such as a vision simulator, which allows users to see how vision would be affected from common eye diseases, and informative videos, created by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, that will provide visitors with a complete interactive experience.
EyeCare America encourages all seniors to have their eyes examined annually.
The Seniors EyeCare Program is designed for seniors without an ophthalmologist and is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc.
About EyeCare America
Established in 1985, EyeCare America, the public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is committed to the preservation of sight, accomplishing its mission through public service and education. EyeCare America provides eye care services to the medically underserved and for those at increased risk for eye disease through its corps of 7,200 volunteer ophthalmologists dedicated to serving their communities. More than 90 percent of the care made available is provided at no out-of-pocket cost to the patients. EyeCare America includes programs for seniors, glaucoma, diabetes, AMD and children, and is the largest program of its kind in American medicine. Since its inception, EyeCare America has helped more than 860,000 people. EyeCare America is a non-profit program whose success is made possible through charitable contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations. More information can be found at: www.eyecareamerica.org
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MEDIA CONTACT: Allison Neves, Communications Director – 415.561.8518, aneves@aao.org
NOTE TO EDITORS AND PRODUCERS: High-resolution images and b-roll as well as interviews with EyeCare America spokespeople, physicians and patients available upon request.
