10/3/2012. EyeCare America: needs of America's underserved. EyeCare America AAO s Foundation. ECA Milestones

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1 EyeCare America: Volunteer MDs serving the eye care needs of America's underserved EyeCare America AAO s Foundation EyeCare America, provides eye care to medically underserved seniors 65+ and those who are at increased risk for eye disease. ECA Milestones The largest public service program in American medicine Helped over 1.7 million people since inception in 1985 More than 90% of care provided is at no out-of-pocket cost to the patients 1

2 ECA Recognized ECA and its volunteers have been recognized by every US President since Ronald Reagan! In honor of 25 years of service, ECA received signed Resolutions in both the House and Senate. Eye Care America Online Last Fiscal Year marked the first full year ECA operated its referral service solely online at eyecareamerica.org. More than 1,400 organizations, friends and family members used our online referral service to help others determine their eligibility for a referral. 9,232 people received a referral to one of our nearly 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists. Who ECA Serves Referrals are provided to U.S. citizens and legal residents only. To see if you or others qualify for a referral to receive eye care, visit eyecareamerica.org. 2

3 It s easy at 1. Read and Accept Guidelines 2. Complete Online Questions: including name, address, citizenship, age, medical insurance and eye history. 3. Call for an Appointment: If eligible, the computer screen provides a number to print or write down for future reference. How it works Eligible patients are sent a letter with the name and number of the volunteer Eye M.D. to call for an appointment. The Eye M.D. is sent a letter with the patient information and an outcome form to return to ECA once the patient is seen. EyeCare America limits the number to 15 patients seen per year. (average is 3 per year) Volunteers Recognized 1. ECA recognizes all volunteers with an annual certificate, suitable for framing. 2. Provides a ribbon and complimentary gifts at the annual meeting. 3. Lists new volunteers in the Annual Report. 3

4 Give Back Through ECA Many of our volunteers have been with ECA since As our older physicians naturally begin to retire, now more than ever ECA needs your help. If you are not already a volunteer... Support ECA Help support the largest public service program in American Medicine, by enrolling today! Help your community Help ophthalmology Help your practice Two Types of Service Age 65 and older Those eligible who are age 65 + receive a comprehensive eye exam and up to one year of care at no out-of-pocket cost for any condition diagnosed during the initial exam. Note: ECA volunteers are able to waive Medicare co-payments through a special HHS/OIG waiver. 4

5 Glaucoma Exam Those NOT eligible for the 65 + service are automatically screened for their increased-risk for glaucoma (age, race, family history). Eligible uninsured individuals received a FREE glaucoma exam, those with insurance are billed normal office procedure. Volunteers Choose one or both Most ophthalmologists volunteer for both services, but may choose to volunteer for either the 65+ or Glaucoma service. Retina MDs may also volunteer for our re-referral service, when a patient needs to see a retina specialist. Voices from Volunteers I don t see many patients, but the few I do are very appreciative! Being a volunteer helps me to serve the community where I have practiced for 35 years. 5

6 Grateful Patients I was extremely grateful for the care and service. The best experience anyone could expect Mr. Denney, FL I just wanted to take this time to thank you for all the help that you provided me. I was very much in need of an eye exam and was unable to go due to my hardship. Ms. Andrews, NC Sample Press for EyeCare America EyeCare America Contacts Richard P. Mills, MD, MPH, Chair ECA David J. Palmer, MD, Chair Seniors EyeCare Richard P. Wilson, MD, Glaucoma William S Tasman MD Macular Degeneration William S. Tasman, MD, Macular Degeneration C. Pat Wilkinson, MD, Retina Christie Morse, MD, Pediatric ophthalmology ECA Staff Toll-free

7 Thank You EyeCare America is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, with additional support by Alcon. 7