Dear District 18 Residents:

The Alaska Optometric Association has asked legislators to share the following information with our constituents. If you would not qualify for this program, please pass it on to those you think might benefit from it.

Thank you,
Con

The Alaska Optemetric Association wrote:

We are pleased to inform you that from this October through January 2001, residents in the state of Alaska may register for VISION USA, the national public service program sponsored by the Alaska Optometric Association. This program of providing free eye examinations to low-income working Americans and their families will be celebrating its 11th anniversary in 2001.

VISION USA is a volunteer effort designed to help meet the vision care needs of low-income working families in Alaska who are without health insurance. During the past ten years, more than 280,000 Americans -- ranging in age from six months to 98 years -- have received free eye care through the program. Each year, more than 7,000 doctors of optometry volunteer their services.

While the program provides care to people of all ages, VISION USA continues its focus toward America's young people. This aligns with its commitment to "America's Promise -- The Alliance for Youth," a program headed by General Colin Powell to aid "at risk" youth.

VISION USA matches children and adults from low-income families with local optometrists who will provide comprehensive eye exams in their offices. The exams are performed primarily during "Save Your Vision Week," which is scheduled for March 4-10, 2001.

Although the free eye examinations are conducted in March, advance registration is required. People may register from October through January in one of three ways:

On-line: visit the AOA web site at www.aoanet.org to register. Application forms will be posted starting in October. Internet access is often available through public libraries and social service agencies. Look under "Meet the AOA" and click on the VISION USA icon.

In writing: request an application from: VISION USA, 243 N. Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63141. Application forms are now available. Completed forms must be postmarked by January 22, 2001.

By phone: call toll-free 1-800-766-4466. Registration by phone is available only during the month of January, 2001. Phone lines will be open weekdays between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. (CST). We encourage application by mail or Internet because the telephone lines are often busy due to the heavy volume of calls.

The program is limited to free eye exams, but donations of products, frames, lenses and the use of optical labs allow many of our volunteer optometrists to supply eyewear free of charge or at reduced fees.

Each year VISION USA provides startling evidence on the need for regular eye and vision care. Nationally, 19,000 patients were seen last year, and more than nine out of ten suffered from one or more eye health or vision problems. Sight threatening conditions were diagnosed in more than 8 percent of the exams. In addition, optometrists uncovered a number of general health problems affecting vision, including diabetes and brain tumors.

To qualify for a free exam, applicants must meet the following general eligibility conditions:

1. They must have a job or live in a household where at least one person is working full- or part-time;
2. They must have no insurance covering eye examinations;
3. They must have income falling below an established level based on household size; and,
4. They must not have had an eye examination during the past two years.

We are grateful for the generous support of Vision Service Plan, Inc. (VSP) for its help in underwriting the administrative costs of the program. VSP is the sole sponsor of VISION USA.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Dr. Rob Fleckenstein, Alaska Coordinator, at (907) 694-2511 or the Alaska Optometric Association.

Thank you for sharing this information!

Alaska Optometric Assn.
1689 C Street, Suite 222
Anchorage, AK99501-5126
Phone: 907-770-3777
Toll Free (Alaska): 877-693-2562
Fax: 907-272-7532
Web page: www.akoa.org

PRIVACY POLICY: All addresses are "blind" for your privacy. A strict "no spam" policy is observed. If you don't wish to receive "Legislative Update", just let me know. If you know a friend or neighbor in District 18 who has not received "Legislative Update" but would like to be included, I will be glad to include them if they contact me. Your replies, comments, questions, and/or suggestions are welcome. Constituent comments on legislation and policy issues may be tabulated, shared with other legislators, or quoted in speeches. Names, however, will be kept private.

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