Helpful Information for Patients: Before You Go and What to Expect
1. Call ahead to confirm location, hours, and eligibility requirements.
2. Bring a valid photo ID and proof of residency if requested.
3. Ask about free or sliding-scale services if you are uninsured or underinsured.
4. Medicaid, Medicare, and many private insurance plans are accepted at most locations.
5. Language interpretation services are often available upon request.
National Programs
EyeCare America
EyeCare America is a public service program of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. It connects uninsured and underinsured adults across the United States with volunteer ophthalmologists who provide medical eye exams and follow-up care, often at no out-of-pocket cost.
Website: www.aao.org/eyecare-america
Email: eyecareamerica@aao.org
Phone: (877) 887-6327
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. PT
Urgent or Emergency Care
Seek immediate care for eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, chemical exposure, or signs of infection.
MedStar Washington Hospital Center
106 Irving Street NW, POB South, Suite 420, Washington, DC 20010
(202) 877-8550
2041 Georgia Ave NW, Suite 2100, Washington, DC 20060
(202) 865-1257
Fort Washington, Rockville, Silver Spring, MD
(800) 642-0101
8600 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814
(855) 546-3939
12800 Middlebrook Road, Suite 102, Germantown, MD 20874
(301) 528-4500
RESOURCES IN Washington, DC
Medicaid (DC) — Insurance
(202) 727-5355
Covers one eye exam per year with no copay for eligible residents.
Community Health Centers
Patients must first complete a new patient primary care appointment and submit required documents (ID, proof of DC residency, income and insurance information).
Once enrolled, patients can request a referral for a variety of eye conditions.
Michelle Obama Southeast Center
Address: 1700 Marion Barry Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020
Northwest Center
Address: 1525 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 386-7020
Multiple Locations (Call to make an appointment and determine the best service site)
(202) 469-4699
71 O Street NW, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 797-8806
RESOURCES IN MARYLAND
Medicaid (Maryland) — Insurance
(855) 642-8572
Covers one comprehensive eye exam per year with a very low copay.
8106 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 585-6463 ext. 203
Montgomery Cares — Montgomery County residents only
8757 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 628-3405
Patients must first complete a new patient primary care appointment. Once enrolled, patients can request a referral for eye conditions.
Maryland Eye Care Center — MECC Perks Program
831 University Blvd East, Ste 11, Silver Spring, MD 20903
(301) 431-0431
Muslim Community Center Clinic
15200 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20905
(301) 384-2166
RESOURCES IN Virginia
Eye Exams at the Inova Lions Eye Clinic
The Inova Lions Eye Clinic provides free, comprehensive eye care to uninsured adults.
Important: You must first complete a primary care visit with a referral partner, then ask for a referral to the eye clinic. You can begin by enrolling with:
44700 King St #100, Alexandria, VA 22302
(571) 665-6599
Other Referral Partners
ADAMS Compassionate Healthcare Network
4431 Brookfield Corporate Dr., Chantilly, VA 20151
(703) 876-2700
2921 11th St S, Arlington, VA 22204
(703) 979-1425
3245 Glen Carlyn Rd., Falls Church, VA 22041
(703) 260-8429
Greater Prince William Health Center
9705 Liberia Ave, Unit 201, Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 680-7950
HealthWorks for Northern Virginia
(Multiple locations)
(703) 443-2000
Inova Cares for Community Bridging
(Leesburg, Herndon, Reston)
(571) 623-3390
46400 Arlington Blvd #210, Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 531-3000
(Multiple locations)
(703) 779-5438
Inova Medical House Calls (for homebound patients)
(703) 698-2431
2224-A Cornwall St NW, Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 779-5416
(Richmond Highway & Annandale locations)
(703) 443-2000
Inova Lions Eye Clinic Location
3299 Woodburn Rd, Ste 150, Annandale, VA 22003
(703) 876-2700