Vision USA-ND Project offers free eye exams to low-income families

Aug. 27, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Eye exams and eyeglasses if necessary will be offered at no cost to working, uninsured families that are residents of North Dakota through the Vision USA-ND Project.

Local Lions Clubs, the Dakota Medical Foundation, Vision Services Inc. and optical laboratories are providing funds and/or discounts to cover the cost.

To qualify:

- The person seeking eye care assistance must be living in and have been a resident of North Dakota for at least two years.

- Someone in the household must be working at least part time.

- The person requesting assistance cannot have any vision insurance or be on any public assistance such as Medicaid, Medicare or HIS.

- The person seeking assistance cannot have had an eye exam in the past three years.

- The family must have an income less than an established level based on household size.

Applications can be obtained from county social services, school administrators, local Lions Club members and optometrists or by writing Vision USA-ND Project, 921 South Ninth St., Suite 120, Bismarck, ND 58504.

Applications also can be downloaded online at www.ndeyecare.info. Click on the Vision USA Link.

All applications will be reviewed. Eligible persons will be notified and referred to a participating optometrist.

For further information, call (701) 258-6766.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0074-27707081