Vision Care Resources

The organizations listed below, while not affiliated with UCLA Mobile Eye Clinic (UMEC), are aligned with UMEC’s mission to provide version services at low to no cost. They may be helpful to you in terms of assistance or information. However, if you cannot find what you are looking for, please contact UCLA Mobile Eye Clinic and we will do our best to assist you. 

Angels for Sight

Nonprofit located in Compton, CA dedicated to providing free vision screenings, eye examinations, and glasses. Angels for Sight holds monthly vision clinics for anyone to attend. 

Visit Angels for Sight website for more information.

EyeCare America

    Public service program that provides eye care through volunteer ophthalmologists. In order to qualify, you must be 65 or older, and have not seen an Eye MD in over 3 years. If you have been identified as a high-risk patient, it may still be possible to qualify even if you have seen an Eye MD more recently than 3 years. Eyeglasses are not covered. Appointments can be made online.

New Eyes for the Needy

This nonprofit organization, founded in 1932, purchases new prescription eyeglasses for U.S. residents in financial need. Download applications for a voucher for eyeglasses. These applications must be completed through a local social services agency.

Respectacle

This is the world’s largest online database of high quality used glasses, and offers more affordable options. All you need to do is enter a prescription, and a variety of possible options will appear! Once you order, glasses can be shipped in about 7-10 business days.

Sight for Students

Provides free vision exams and glasses to low-income, uninsured children. Potential clients should use the website to review qualification guidelines, and to find a community partner in the area that will perform the examination. Qualification guidelines are that family income is no more than 200% of the federal poverty level, the child is not enrolled in Medicaid or another vision insurance, child is 18 years or young, and child or parent is a U.S. citizen or legal immigrant.

Braille Institute

Organization that offers free programs, classes and services to the visually impaired. Find an events calendar for the Downtown Los Angeles center.

InfantSee

Public health program that provides no-cost comprehensive eye and vision assessments for infants 6-12 months old, regardless of family income or insurance coverage. They can be contacted via email at [email protected].

Operation Sight

Charitable cataract surgery program for Americans that experience financial difficulties or lack insurance that prevent their access to care. Qualifications include being at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty level, being uninsured or underinsured where insurance does not cover cataract surgery, having a formal cataract diagnosis within the past 24 months, and having permanent residency in the United States.

Mission Cataract USA

Offers free cataract surgery to people of all ages that experience difficulties paying for cataract surgery. To qualify for this free community service, applicants must have: poor vision, due to cataracts uncorrectable with glasses, which interferes with activities of daily living, no Medicare, Medicaid, or third party insurance coverage, and no other means to pay for cataract surgery.