FREE EYE CARE TO BE OFFERED

Low-income workers and their families in Missouri can sign up this month to receive free eye care through the Vision USA program.

During March of each year, optometrists who are members of the Missouri Optometric Association are among more than 7,000 optometrists nationwide who donate their services through Vision USA to provide free comprehensive eye exams to low-income people.

The program, which helps people of all ages, has a new emphasis on aiding children.

To qualify for free eye care, people must have a job or live in a household in which at least one member is working part time; have no health insurance that covers eye exams; meet certain income criteria based on household size; and not have had an eye exam at a doctor's office within the last two years.

People can obtain application forms from Vision USA, 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis 63141. Completed forms must be postmarked by Jan. 21. The application form, along with other information about Vision USA is also available on the American Optometric Association's Web site (www.aoanet.org). Internet access is often available at public libraries.

Applicants will be screened for eligibility by phone through Jan. 21. To place a phone application, call (800) 766-4466 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays.