June Is Child Vision Awareness Month

It's very important to get your child's vision checked often beginning in infancy. Undetected and untreated vision problems can cause developmental issues that can be later misdiagnosed as ADHD or other learning disabilities. Vision challenges can often be corrected with a simple pair of glasses, though sometimes children need vision therapy.

If your family struggles financially and may need assistance to afford glasses for your children, there are many programs available that provide free exams and/or glasses.

InfantSEE

InfantSEE is a national public health program managed by the American Optometric Association (AOA) through its charitable organization, Optometry Cares - The AOA Foundation. It provides a one-time free eye exam for infants (within their first year of life).

Medicaid/CHIP

Medicaid is a federal public health program administered by states. It provides health care coverage for low-income people and families who are US citizens. Children in low income families are usually covered. If your family does not qualify for Medicaid, they will likely qualify for The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which is a state and federal partnership that provides low-cost health insurance coverage for children in families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private health insurance coverage.

Sight For Students

Sight For Students is a Vision Service Plan (VSP) program. They provide eye free exams and free glasses to low-income, uninsured children. The program operates nationally through a network of community partners who identify children in need and VSP network eye doctors who provide the services.

New Eyes

New Eyes is a non-profit volunteer organization that purchases new eyeglasses for poor children and adults in the United States.