VISION USA

Since 1991, more than 340,000 low-income working Americans have benefited from free eye exams through VISION USA™.

If you do not qualify for government aid or private health care assistance that covers the cost of routine eye or vision care, VISION USA™ can help. VISION USA™ provides basic eye health and vision care services free of charge to uninsured, low-income people and their families. VISION USA™ was established in 1991 by AOA doctors of optometry who donate their services.

Eligibility Requirements

VISION USA™ is open to children and adults. General eligibility requirements vary by state. To receive free services, you must:

Have a job or live in a household where there is one working member
Have no vision insurance (this may include Medicare/Medicaid)
Have income below an established level based on household size
Not have had an eye exam within two years

If you or your family are eligible to receive services, you will be matched with a volunteer doctor of optometry who will provide a comprehensive eye exam at no charge. Eyewear also may be provided at no cost or for a small fee/donation in some states. (Note: Doctors donate their services and may be limited in some areas.)

Receiving Care

Residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming should first review screening instructions. If you live in a state not listed here and want to apply, you may apply online.

You also may apply by downloading a Word document application and mailing it to Vision USA™:

VISION USA™ Application – English - Spanish

Applications also are available by writing, calling or emailing:

VISION USA™
243 North Lindbergh Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63141
1-800-766-4466, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., CST (M-F)
Fax: 314/991-4101
E-mail: visionusa@aoa.org

Related Information
As part of VISION USA's support of "America's Promise," we made a commitment to provide information on the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). SCHIP provides affordable health insurance to children and youth in working families. To obtain information about the free and affordable coverage available in your state, you can call a toll-free hotline 1-877-KIDS NOW. This number will connect parents of potentially eligible children directly with people in their state who can assist them in enrolling in the state children's health insurance programs. Please note, the program may be called something other than SCHIP in your state.
In 1999, VISION USA™ joined forces with America's Promise, The Alliance for Youth, founding Chairman General Colin L. Powell. With more than one million children in this country not receiving basic eye care, VISION USA™ hopes to help these children, families and individuals by providing examinations and doctors willing to help.