Medicare Agency and Local Eye Doctors Partner in Program To Offer Eye Exams to Senior Citizens with Diabetes

Bennett & Bloom Eye Centers wants to draw attention to a new program between the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in collaboration with the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Optometric Association (AOA) to encourage Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes to get their eyes examined through a free program. The program is called the EyeCare America – National Eye Care Project.

November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month and is the perfect time to draw attention to this program. Under the initiative, beneficiaries age 65 and older who have diabetes and haven't had a medical eye exam in the past three years will be matched with a volunteer ophthalmologist in their area. They'll receive a free comprehensive eye exam and up to one year of follow-up care for any condition diagnosed at the initial exam.

To get the name of an ophthalmologist participating in the EyeCare AmericaSM - National Eye Care Project® in a specific area, call the 24 hour toll-free number at 1-800-222-3937. Beneficiaries can also call the American Optometric Association's Diabetes Hot Line at 1-800-262-3947 (7AM - 7PM Monday through Friday CST) to be matched with an optometrist in their area who will perform an eye exam and arrange for subsequent care. Depending on financial need, the optometrist may waive the Medicare deductible and co-payment for this service.