September 20 was called “Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day,” but I missed this special event. A press release received by this newspaper enlightened us about the status of eye care here in Maine, especially for older people. It also revealed that there may be help available for those who don’t have insurance that covers eye care – and certainly, Medicare doesn’t cover routine eye care.
Over two-thirds of visually impaired Americans are over 65, and almost 20.5 million of them have cataracts, the leading cause of blindness in the United States.
At my age (68), part of my health routine is an annual eye examination. About 10 years ago, my eye doctor told me I had the beginnings of cataracts, but not to worry – it would be several years before they would affect my vision and I’d have to have them removed.
In 2004, he told me that on a scale of one to 10 (10 being the most severe), my cataracts were at a “1.” In August of this year, one of them had developed to level three. I had noticed a blurring in my vision, but thought it was just my eyes wearing out!
Most people would imagine that the solution would be the removal of the cataracts, but Medicare will not cover the surgery until they are at level 5. So, new eyeglass lens were ordered and they may be sufficient for another year.
Medicare covers the cost of the examination, but not the eyeglasses – try and figure the reasoning behind that. This year, I opted to have lens put in existing frames, although fancy new frames are quite a temptation.
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in this country and the number of Americans with age-related eye disease is expected to double in the next 30 years.
Should people be particularly alarmed by this? Perhaps.
A recent study out of the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston indicates that seniors suffering from poor vision have shown evidence of a premature mental decline. The results of this study clearly bring to light the importance of routine eye care for older adults.
In honor of “Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day,” the Maine Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons encourages people to call the EyeCare America Seniors EyeCare Program. This year-round program offers eye exams at no out-of-pocket cost to seniors who are without an ophthalmologist (a medical eye doctor). To see if you, a loved one or a friend 65 and older are eligible to receive a referral for an eye exam and care, call 1-800-222-EYES (3937). The EyeCare America help line operates 24 hours a day, every day, year-round.
Robert W. Daly, M.D., President of the Maine Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons has said, “Blindness and vision impairment have enormous personal, social and economic costs, limiting the activities of otherwise healthy and active people.”
Here in Maine, EyeCare America and its 39 volunteer ophthalmologists have served more than 2,184 patients.
Through the program, those who are eligible receive a dilated eye exam and up to one year of treatment at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. EyeCare America is able to provide this no cost care through its network of 7,500 volunteer ophthalmologists who have agreed to accept Medicare or other insurance as payment in full.
Here are some statistics:
• About 5.5 million people over 65 are blind or have low vision.
• Over $22 billion is spent each year on care and services for people who are blind or have visual impairments.
• Without help, people with bad vision often suffer from anxiety, frustration and depression that diminish their quality of life.
EyeCare America is a public service foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The Seniors EyeCare Program is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. and Alcon.
EyeCare America was established in 1985 and is the public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, providing eye care services to those medically underserved. A corps of 7,500 volunteers are dedicated to serving their communities. Over 90% of the care made available is provided at no out-of-pocket cost to the patients.
The Seniors EyeCare Program (SEP) helps to ensure that all eligible seniors have access to medical eye care and promotes annual, dilated eye exams. SEP raises awareness about age-related eye disease, including cataracts, provides free eye care educational materials and facilitates access to eye care.
People eligible for a referral through the program receive a comprehensive, medical eye exam and up to one year of treatment 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.
The 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.
To determine if you, a family member or friend qualify for a SEP referral call 800.222.EYES (3937) toll-free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. On the Internet, go to www.eyecareamerica.org.
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