Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R,C,I-Smithtown) today urged elderly residents to determine their eligibility for the Seniors EyeCare Program sponsored by EyeCare America. This program provides eligible individuals 65 and older with free medical eye exams and care for eye conditions diagnosed for up to one year.

“With the increasing cost of health care and many seniors struggling just to make ends meet, this program is a good way for seniors to cut back on some of their medical expenses,” said Fitzpatrick. “This sounds like a great program and opportunity, so I encourage my constituents to contact EyeCare America to determine if they qualify.”

Eligible individuals must be U.S. citizens or legal residents, age 65 or older, who have not seen ophthalmologists in three or more years and do not belong to a health maintenance organization or Veterans Affairs. EyeCare America operates a telephone hot line to answer questions and screen requests for eye care based on the criteria.

According to EyeCare America, the volunteer efforts of 685 ophthalmologists in New York have led to more than 36,990 seniors gaining access to medical eye care and eye disease information. The volunteer specialists have agreed to bill Medicare and any supplemental insurance in acceptance of full payment.

Interested seniors may call EyeCare America toll-free at (800) 222-3937 (EYES) for information.