March is Older Americans Month

In recognition of Older Americans Month, Virginia Society of Ophthalmology members encourage Seniors to take advantage of the National Diabetes Eye Exam Initiative. More than 60,000 Virginia seniors have diabetes, and nearly one-fourth of them haven't had an eye exam in two or more years. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among American adults and according to the Virginia Department of Health, nearly one Virginian goes blind every day as a complication of diabetes.

If you are a Medicare beneficiary with diabetes and have not had a medical eye exam in the last three years, you may qualify for the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeCare America, the National Eye Care Project (NECP). The NECP matches qualifying persons with a volunteer Eye MD (ophthalmologist) in their area who has agreed to provide a comprehensive medical eye exam and up to one year of follow-up care for any condition diagnosed at the initial exam, with no out-of-pocket expenses to you.

People with diabetes need to have a dilated eye exam every year. Taking that step will greatly reduce the risk of diabetic blindness by catching eye problems early before vision loss occurs. Your deductible and co-payment are waived, and Medicare is accepted as payment in full. Call the NECP's Helpline at 1-800-222-EYES (3937) 24 hours a day, seven days a week for more information.