EyeCare America Reveals the "ABCs" Of Eye Health

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As Schools Give Final Exams in June, Older Americans Can Learn About a Program that Provides Eye Exams at No Out-of-Pocket Cost

SAN FRANCISCO, June 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Can you imagine opening a textbook, only to see large black spots where words should be? Or just a large, hazy blur instead of sentences? This is what someone suffering from eye disease might see.

EyeCare America reminds everyone that education is lifelong. It's never too late to learn how to take better care of your eyes, starting with these "ABCs":

ACTIVATE your lifestyle. Get regular exercise and eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, avoiding fats and sweets. What's good for your whole body is also good for your eyes.

BOOK an appointment today with an ophthalmologist for a full eye exam. EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, provides eye exams at no out-of-pocket cost to people age 65 and older and offers free educational materials. The eye exams are provided by a corps of nearly 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Those interested in the program can visit www.eyecareamerica.org to see if they are eligible. The organization's online referral center also enables friends and family members to find out instantly if their loved ones are eligible to be matched with an EyeCare America volunteer ophthalmologist.

CONTINUE to see your doctor regularly and to care for your eyes, so they can take care of you.

EyeCare America is designed for people who:

• Are U.S. 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 receive eye care benefits through the VA.

To see immediately if you, a loved one or a friend, 65 or older, is eligible to receive a referral for an eye exam and care, visit www.eyecareamerica.org.  

EyeCare America is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc., with additional support provided by Alcon. The program is endorsed by state and subspecialty ophthalmological societies.

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 year round eye care services to medically underserved seniors and those at increased risk for eye disease through its corps of nearly 7,000 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. Since its inception, EyeCare America has helped more than 1.5 million 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.

SOURCE EyeCare America