Underserved seniors can improve sight with the help of NCOA and EyeCare America

Washington, DC-Seniors with limited means who have vision or other eye problems can now determine whether they qualify for benefits when they visit the National Council on Aging's (NCOA) BenefitsCheckUp Web site.

After filling out a questionnaire found at www.benefitscheckup.org, the senior or caregiver receives a report with programs for which they qualify. If eligible for eye-care assistance, they will be connected with EyeCare America, which offers programs for glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes, cataracts, and more, provided by more than 7,000 volunteer physicians.

"For years, NCOA has been creating new ways both to help people find out about benefits to which they may be entitled and facilitate enrollment in the benefits programs BenefitsCheckUp identifies," said NCOA Senior Vice President Stuart Spector. "This new relationship with EyeCare America provides another dimension of benefits that can help improve a critical aspect of older American's wellbeing-their vision."

"We find that many people don't pay attention to their eye health until something goes wrong," said Richard P. Mills, MD, chairman of EyeCare America. "A simple painless eye exam can catch eye diseases early and preserve sight."