Resources
Members Only Resources
Public Health Resources
Eye Glasses
Lions Association for Sight & Hearing of Maryland, Inc. (LASH)
LASH is the coordinator for the Lions Clubs in central Maryland - Baltimore City, Baltimore, Howard, Harford and Anne Arundel Counties that assists people who are in need of eye exams and glasses. Where there is a club, the club reaches back to the individual. Where there isn't a club, LASH reaches out directly.
- Website: https://www.lashmaryland.org/
- Phone: 410-836-6258
New Eyes
New Eyes purchases basic prescription glasses for people in financial need in the U.S. Apply for no-cost eyeglass online.
- Website: http://www.new-eyes.org/
- Phone: 973-376-4903
Sight for Students
Sight for Students is a Vision Service Plan (VSP) program provides eye exams and glasses to children 18 years and younger whose families cannot afford vision care.
- Website: https://www.sightforstudents.org
- Telephone: 1-888-290-4964
Patient Access Center for the Eye (PACE)
Residents through The Wilmer Eye Institute see patients with any type of ophthalmological complaint. They accept Medicaid and other insurances. For those with more limited resources, Wilmer has financial counselors who may be able to help with assistance from an angel fund.
- Website: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/wilmer/services/pace.html
- To schedule an appointment: 410-955-5650
- Financial counselors: 410-955-5489 and 410-287-7345
Prevent Blindness
Prevent Blindness offers a list of contact information for organizations and services that provide financial assistance for vision care.
- Website: https://preventblindness.org/
- Financial assistance information: https://preventblindness.org/vision-care-financial-assistance-information/
Eye Exams and Surgery
EyeCare America
EyeCare America is a public service foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Provides comprehensive eye exams and care for up to one year, often at no out-of-pocket expense to eligible to those 65 and older through its seniors and Diabetes EyeCare Programs. Its Glaucoma EyeCare Program provides a glaucoma eye exam. The EyeCare America Children’s EyeCare Program educates parents and primary care providers about the importance of early childhood (newborn through 36 months of age) eye care.
- Website: https://www.eyecareamerica.org
- Telephone: (877) 887-6327
- Email: eyecareamerica@aao.org
Mission Cataract USA
Mission Cataract USA is coordinated by the Volunteer Eye Surgeons’ Association, is a program providing free cataract surgery to people of all ages who have no other means to pay. Surgeries are scheduled annually on one day, usually in May.
- Website: https://www.missioncataractUSA.org
- Telephone: 1-(559) 797-1629
OperationSight
OperationSight is the ASCRS Foundation’s U.S.- based charitable cataract surgery program. Its mission is to eliminate treatable cataract blindness in the United States. By leveraging the combined strength of established charitable organizations and ASCRS-member volunteer surgeons, Operation Sight is providing needed care to those unable to access or afford surgery.
InfantSEE
InfantSEE is a public health program designed to ensure early detection of eye conditions in babies. AOA Member optometrists provide a free comprehensive infant eye assessment to children younger than one year.
- Website: https://www.infantsee.org
- Telephone: (888) 396-3937
Local Resources
Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped provides comprehensive library services to the eligible print-disabled residents of the State of Maryland. Individuals who qualify for service include those with low vision, blindness, an inability to hold a book or turn pages due to physical limitations, and/or those who have organic dysfunctions that prevent them from accessing standard print. Click here to apply for free library services.