Share with a friendFighting the leading cause of new blindness
The Diabetes EyeCare Program promotes annual, dilated eye exams for people with diabetes. It raises awareness of diabetic eye disease, including diabetic retinopathy, provides free diabetic eye disease educational materials and facilitates access to eye care – at no out-of-pocket expense.
Approximately 16 million people in the United States have diabetes and one-third of them do not know it.
Diabetes is the leading cause of new blindness among adults and people with diabetes are 25 times more likely to become blind than people without it.
By detecting and treating diabetic eye disease early through annual, dilated eye exams, people with diabetes can preserve their sight.
Learn more about Diabetic Retinopathy »
Diabetic Retinopathy Risk Factors »
Qualifications
The Diabetes EyeCare Program is designed for people who:
- Are age 65 and older
- Are US citizens or legal residents
- Have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years
- Do not belong to an HMO or the VA
To determine if you, a family member or friend qualify for a referral through this program, call 1-800-272-EYES (3937) toll-free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Benefits
People eligible for a referral through the program receive a comprehensive, medical eye exam and up to one year of care—at no out-of-pocket cost—for any disease diagnosed during the initial exam. Volunteer ophthalmologists accept Medicare and/or other insurance reimbursement as payment in full.
Eyeglasses, prescription drugs, hospital services, fees of other medical professionals are not included.
