Looking for Eyeglasses for your patients? A voucher program called New Eyes for the Needy is now in TPC through the Supplies section and can be used to obtain free discount eye glass frames and lenses. The mission of this program focuses on improved vision for poor children and adults by purchasing new eyeglasses in the US and recycling donated glasses for distribution in developing nations. They are a United Way agency headquartered in New Jersey and operated by over 200 volunteers and 3 staff positions. In 2010, New Eyes purchased 4,362 eyeglasses for people in the US. The number of people they can help depends on their income from donations, grants and other sources. Most Walmart vision centers accept this voucher.

• Eligibility guidelines:
• Applicant must be in financial need & should have income at or below the US poverty guidelines. They consider every application so they don't follow a specific % level. (Patient does NOT need to attach proof of income.);
• Have had a recent eye exam (in the last 12 months) & MUST attach a photocopy of the eyeglass Rx to the application;
• Have had no other resources available to them to pay for glasses (including federal or state programs or assistance from local charitable organizations) and have not received a New Eyes voucher in the last 24 months.
• Patient is eligible to re-apply once every 2 years.
    
• What does the voucher cover and how long does it take?
• The cost of a BASIC pair of eyeglasses. The dispenser (for example Walmart) is typically reimbursed about $60 per pair.
• The voucher will be mailed to patient's advocate/physician listed in the address provided on the application.
• Allow a maximum of 4 weeks.
• Voucher is valid for 90 days and should be used as soon as possible. Wait to order glasses until you receive voucher. 

Visit www.neweyesfortheneedy.org for additional information.