Updated on  February 20, 2024
6 min read

National Grants for Vision Care

Vision Center is funded by our readers. We may earn commissions if you purchase something via one of our links.

If you are one of the millions of Americans with vision impairment, you may be eligible for a grant to help pay for vision care.

But what are national grants for vision care, and how do you apply for them? This post will answer those questions and more, so keep reading!

mother and daughter with eyeglasses bond and smile

VSP offers flexible vision insurance coverage, built just for you. Learn More

What Are National Grants for Vision Care?

National Grants for Vision Care is a type of financial assistance. Government agencies or non-profit organizations typically provide them. They help cover the costs of vision care for those who cannot afford it otherwise.

This grant can help pay for things like eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, and even surgery. While many different types of grants are available, they all have one common goal: to help those in need get the vision care they deserve.

How to Apply

National Grants for Vision Care are available to eligible individuals who require assistance with vision care costs. To apply for a National Grant for Vision Care, you must complete an application form and submit it to the National Grants for Vision Care Program office.

You will be asked to provide personal information such as your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number on the application form. You will also need to provide information about your vision care needs, including the names of your eye care providers and the types of services you require.

Once your application has been received and reviewed, you will be notified of the decision in writing. If you are approved for a National Grant for Vision Care, you will be responsible for paying a portion of the costs of your vision care, up to the maximum amount approved by the National Grants for Vision Care Program.

Need vision Insurance? VSP has plans as low as $13/month. View Plans

Types of National Grants for Vision Care

There are various types of national grants for vision care. Some provide funding for research, others for public health education, and others for clinical services. 

The National Eye Institute (NEI)

The NEI is a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is the leading federal agency for eye health and vision research. The NEI funds research on various vision diseases, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related cataracts. 

The NEI also funds public health education programs on eye health and vision disorders. These programs aim to increase awareness of eye diseases and how they can be prevented or treated. The NEI also funds clinical services, such as eye exams and surgery, for people who cannot afford them. 

Some programs that offer free or low-cost eye care include:

  • Eyes of Hope: This program provides free eye exams and glasses to children and adults in underserved communities.
  • Lions Club International: Lions Club International provides free eye exams and glasses to adults and children in need.
  • New Eyes: This program offers free or low-cost glasses to people in need.
  • Mission Cataract USA: This program provides free cataract surgery to those who cannot afford them.
  • Operation Sight: People who cannot pay for cataract surgery can get it through this program.
  • American Glaucoma Society: Through its AGS Cares program, patients with low incomes or no health insurance can obtain glaucoma surgery.
  • Eyecare America: The program provides free comprehensive eye exams and up to one year of treatment to those aged 65 and older and those at higher risk of glaucoma.
  • All Children See: The program links you with eye doctors who can conduct a complete eye examination. Children may participate in the program if they have had an eye exam identifying a vision problem or existing vision problems. This program is only available in certain states.
  • InfantSEE: The program offers free eye exams for babies aged 6 to 12 months. An eye doctor performs these tests, which may detect problems that a standard vision check would miss.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The CDC is another federal agency that funds vision care programs. The CDC’s Vision 2020 initiative seeks to eliminate preventable blindness in the United States by 2020. 

The CDC achieves this goal by funding community-based vision screening programs. These programs screen school-age children and adults for vision problems and refer those who need treatment to local eye care professionals. 

Other federal agencies that fund vision care programs include the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Who is Eligible for National Grants for Vision Care?

National Grants for Vision Care is a government-funded program that provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families who need help paying for vision care. 

To be eligible for National Grants for Vision Care, you must meet the following criteria: 

  • You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. 
  • You must have a household income at or below the federal poverty level. 
  • You must be unable to afford vision care on your own. 

You may be eligible for National Grants for Vision Care if you meet the above criteria. 

VSP insurance coverage can help you save on glasses, contacts, eye exams, and more. Learn More

Services Covered By National Grants for Vision Care

Services covered by National Grants for Vision Care include: 

  • Eye exams 
  • Glasses 
  • Contact lenses 
  • Surgery 
  • Low vision aids 
  • Other vision services as deemed medically necessary by a doctor

National Grants for Vision Care will cover the cost of any of the above services considered medically necessary. However, you may be responsible for a copayment or coinsurance for some services. 

How To Find A National Grant for Vision Care Program

You can go about finding National Grants for Vision Care in a few different ways.

One way is to simply search online. Many websites compile lists of various types of grants and their requirements.

Another option is to contact your state’s Department of Health and Human Services. They should be able to provide you with a list of grants that may be available in your area.

Once you have found a few different options, it is important to compare them. This will help you determine which one is the best fit for your needs. You will also want to ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements before applying.

Applying for a grant can be time-consuming, but it is worth it if you can get the funding you need to cover your vision care costs. So, if you or someone you know needs financial assistance for vision care, look into National Grants for Vision Care.

Final Thoughts

While National Grants for Vision Care can be a great way to get financial assistance for vision care, it is important to remember that this program is not suitable for everyone.

Be sure to research and compare different options before making a decision. And, as always, if you have any questions, be sure to consult with a medical or financial professional.

VSP has the nation's largest network of independent vision doctors. Protect your health and save money today. Check Their Network

Updated on  February 20, 2024
The information provided on VisionCenter.org should not be used in place of actual information provided by a doctor or a specialist.