New Eyes provides free eyeglasses for eligible low income Americans! If you need help with your vision care expenses, then you need to know about this incredible organization!
This article will introduce you to what New Eyes is, what they do, and how you can get help from this organization.
What is New Eyes?
Since 1932, New Eyes has been on a mission to provide free eyeglass prescriptions to individuals in the United States who lack the resources to obtain this basic necessity. This nonprofit is based in New Jersey.
This organization only offers free eyeglasses, so you’ll need to get an eye exam somewhere before you can get your glasses. We’ve found a few places where you might be able to get a free eye exam. New Eyes may also be able to help you verify an expired prescription.
What does New Eyes do?
Eligible applicants can receive a free pair of single or lined bifocal lenses at no cost. The glasses will have a clear polycarbonate lens.
If your application is approved, you will receive an e-voucher number. That number can be redeemed on the New Eyes ordering site to claim a free pair of eyeglasses. You can even use their virtual try-on service to find a pair that fits you well.
The only catch is that you need to have a valid prescription that was dated in the last 24 months. If you have a prescription that has expired, you may be able to use the Online Prescription Verification tool called Visibly.
Who is Eligible?
In order to be eligible for assistance from New Eyes, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must live in the United States.
- You must have a net household income that is below 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- You must have a recent eye exam with a pupillary distance measurement.
If your prescription is more than 24 months old, then you may be able to use their Online Prescription Verification tool. This tool, called Visibly, has specific eligibility criteria as well. In order to use it, you must be between the ages of 18 and 55, have no vision-related health conditions, and live in an eligible state.
Unfortunately, the Online Prescription Verification tool is NOT available in these states:
- Delaware (DE)
- Georgia (GA)
- Idaho (ID)
- Kansas (KS)
- Louisiana (LA)
- Maine (ME)
- Michigan (MI)
- Missouri (MO)
- New Jersey (NJ)
- New Mexico (NM)
- Oklahoma (OK)
- South Carolina (SC)
- Vermont (VT)
- West Virginia (WV)
If you live in any other state and meet the other requirements, you may be able to use this service to verify your existing prescription.
How to Apply
It is best to have a social worker, caseworker or health advocate apply on your behalf. This makes it easier for the organization to process your application and may even result in faster processing times. There are several places you can go to get help with your application.
However, if you do not have someone who can fill out that application for you, you can apply for yourself. You will need to make sure that you fill out the application completely and do not skip any steps.
You can find both versions of the application on the New Eyes website.
When you enter your prescription, make sure to double and triple check your entry. The organization will not send you a replacement pair if you make a mistake entering your prescription, so it’s very important to make sure that you get it right the first time.
Summary
New Eyes is an organization that has been providing free eyeglasses to low income Americans for almost 100 years. This organization serves low income children, adults and seniors. They provide basic polycarbonate single and bifocal lenses for those who are eligible. Use the instructions in this article to submit your application today!
Nicole Thelin
Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.