Volunteers in Service in Our Nation (VISION USA) is a public service program developed in 1991 by the America Optometric Association. Its purpose is to provide eye health and vision care services, at no cost to underprivileged populations. The program benefits an estimated 40 million working people and their families in the United States who have low income and need eye care but cannot afford insurance or the cost of ordinary care.
Vision USA is administered at the national level at the AOA's office in St. Louis, MO and each state operates its own program in conjunction through their State Chairpersons. Some State programs include eyewear donated by practicioners and or local laboratories.
In most states, the patients enroll and quality for the program during the month of January and are assigned to a participating AOA Optometrist. The eye care practitioner provides the service in March usually around Save Your Vision Week. In some states it is a year round program.
This presentation will cover Eligibility Criteria, Access to Care, Patient Enrollment Procedures and 1999 and 2000 Patient Demographics and Statistics.
At the end of the presentation, the participant will have the knowledge to be a provider, determine patient eligibility and facilitate patient enrrollment.
Learning Objectives: unavailable
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.