www.sarcoa.org 51
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 other insurance
reimbursements as payment in full; patients without
insurance receive care at no charge.
For help, call the toll-free helpline at 800-222-EYES
to request free eye care educational materials and
to determine if you qualify. EyeCare America offers
multiple eye care programs. Callers will automatically
be screened to determine the program that provides the
most appropriate eye care services. Callers who have not
had an eye exam in the past 12 months and are at risk
for glaucoma may be eligible for a glaucoma eye exam
through the Glaucoma EyeCare Program. Eyeglasses,
prescription drugs, hospital services and the fees of other
medical professionals are excluded.
FREE CATARACT SURGERY FOR
THOSE WHO QUALIFY
Eye Center South provides free cataract surgeries to
visually-impaired persons who would otherwise go
untreated due to lack of insurance or other financial
constraints. Potential patients should call to see if
they qualify. Many are referred from participating
optometrists who graciously provide free post-op care.
Eye Center South’s work, through Drs. William
L. Bennett and Marnix E. Heersink, is part of a
nationwide program known as Mission Cataract USA.
This nationally renowned program brings eye doctors,
surgeons and volunteers together to provide free vision
services to those in need.
Cataracts are the world’s leading cause of vision loss.
Cataracts usually develop due to age, but also for other
reasons such as diabetes, injuries, some medications, or
heredity. Cataracts can be safely removed with a brief,
painless surgery, and with a very high success rate of
restoring vision. For more information about the Gift of
Sight Program, call your eye doctor or Eye Center South
at 334-793-2211.
OLDER ALABAMIANS SYSTEM
OF INFORMATION AND
SERVICES OASIS
The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services’
OASIS Program is dedicated to renewing independent
and rewarding lifestyles for Alabama’s older adults who
have vision problems. OASIS provides low-vision exams
and aids, mobility instruction, adaptive equipment,
instruction in independent living skills, and evaluation
and referrals.
A program of services is designed to meet your personal
goals and objectives. Mobility specialists train you
to become independent outside the home. OASIS
rehabilitation teachers are experienced in helping you
learn new or adaptive methods of performing dayto
day activities such as meal preparation, money
identification and management, reading adaptations
and communication skills.
Services are free and are available regardless of your
financial need. If you are 55 years or older and are
experiencing visual problems, contact an OASIS service
site. Call 334-699-8600 for more information.
ENVISION AMERICA
ScriptAbililty
If you or a loved one has a challenge reading prescription
labels, you are not alone. This company offers a variety
of accessible prescription labeling solutions to suit your
needs. These solutions include talking labels, large
print labels, dual language labels, controlled substance
labels and braille. The solution is available for FREE at
thousands of pharmacies throughout the United States.
For more information on any of these solutions, call
1-800-890-1180 or go to www.envisionamerica.com.
/www.envisionamerica.com
/www.sarcoa.org