In honor of “Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day,” the Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology encourages people to call the EyeCare America Seniors Program. This program offers eye exams and care to seniors who are without an ophthalmologist. See if you or a loved one, 65 or older, are eligible to receive a referral for an eye exam and care; call (800) 222-EYES. This phone line is open 24 hours, seven days a week. “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 Abdhish R. Bhavsar, M.D., president of the Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology. “We need to reach seniors with the message that proper eye care is a significant component of their overall health care.” EyeCare America (ECA) provides the senior program including 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. The Senior Program is designed for seniors without an ophthalmologist and is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. For more information on EyeCare America, visit www.eyecareamerica.org.
