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"Sight for Students" Offers Free Eyeglasses to ChildrenNov 02 '00 Write an essay on this topic.The concept for providing free vision exams and eyeglasses to uninsured children was first announced by Retired General Colin Powell in 1997 during his nationally televised, "America's Promise" speech. Today, the program, "Sight for Students," is a reality! Thanks to Vision Service Plan (VSP), up to 50,000 children per year can qualify for free eyewear and the process is easy! In many cases, those helped are the children of parents who work, but do not qualify for any other government assistance. To begin, visit their website at http://www.sightforstudents.org to read the "Eligibility Guidelines," and to locate a "Community Partner." If you have any questions about whether you qualify, the partner can help determine eligibility. Briefly, the checklist includes: family income (no more than 200% of the federal poverty level), no other vision insurance is available, child is no more than 18 years old (and has not graduated from high school), child/parent is a U.S. citizen with a social security number, and child has not used the program during the last 12 months. Once at the site, you can conduct a search for the Community Partner nearest your home by typing in your zip code. You will be shown a map of your area with a list of partners (up to 21) and their contact name, phone number, address and distance (in miles) from your address. Community Partners include such organizations as the YMCA of the USA, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Head Start, Boy Scouts of America , and many other health care centers and clinics. (If you know of a local chapter of one of these organizations that might like to receive a partner contract, have them contact: sfspartners@vsp.com for more information.) Next, contact your Community Partner. After establishing a legitimate need, the parent or guardian of the child will then receive a "Share the Vision Gift Certificate" from the partner. It is up to the adult to schedule an appointment with any doctor who will accept the VSP Insurance. (Most of the "glasses in an hour" establishments do not accept VSP.) If you are a new patient, allow plenty of time before the appointment to fill out necessary paperwork. After the exam, you (or the child) will be asked to choose a pair of frames. The insurance covers the entire exam and the cost of frames up to approximately $125 (you'll have to check to make sure!) In most cases, your child will be able to "see" again in less than a week! (Although the entire cost was covered, we received a "courtesy billing." I saved $318!) Sight for Students http://www.sightforstudents.org  |
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