LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville’s Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences is supporting a Valentine’s Day campaign led by EyeCare America, the foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, to encourage those age 65 and over to visit the EyeCare America Web site to see if they quality for a free eye exam.
This year-round program provides eye exams at no out-of-pocket cost to people age 65 and over who have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years, and offers free educational materials. Those interested in the program can visit eyecareamerica.org to see if they are eligible. The short questionnaire seeks general information about past eye exams and family history of certain conditions.
The organization’s online referral center enables the individual or friends and family members to find out instantly if they or their loved ones are eligible to be matched with EyeCare America volunteer ophthalmologists, including faculty members in the UofL Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences.
“Blindness and visual impairment can limit the activities of otherwise healthy seniors and affect not only the individual patient but his or her loved ones and caregivers,” said Henry J. Kaplan, MD, Evans Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at UofL. “We support this campaign because of our commitment to our community“s eye health. We do not want to see patients waiting too long to get treated for debilitating conditions that affect the eyes as we age.”
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, since 1985, more than 6,000 people have been helped in Kentucky through EyeCare America, a public service program.
As part of this national campaign, celebrity chefs from around the country have contributed delicious eye-healthy desserts for two that are the perfect accompaniment to any Valentine’s Day dinner. All recipes are made with foods with eye-healthy vitamins and antioxidants to help preserve eyesight, according to the Academy. Recipes can be found on the Web site as well.