Medicaid
If you are enrolled in (or eligible for) Medicaid, you may be able to receive an eye exam or eyeglasses at no (or low) cost to you from a Medicaid-approved provider. Call the "Enrollee Services" phone number listed on the back of your Medicaid identification (ID) card and ask how to get an eye exam and/or eyeglasses.
If you are not yet enrolled in Medicaid, contact the offices below for more information.
- District of Columbia (D.C.) Medicaid: Call (202) 442-5988 or https://dchealthlink.com.
- Maryland Medicaid: Call (855) 642-8572 or https://mmcp.health.maryland.gov.
- Virginia Medicaid: Call (855) 242-8282 or https://commonhelp.virginia.gov.
Medicare
Medicare is a government health insurance program for people over age 65 and some people with disabilities. Traditional Medicare does not cover eye exams or tests for most people, but it may cover some eye care if you have diabetes, macular degeneration, or a high risk of glaucoma. Some Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans offer vision coverage.
To learn more about Medicare’s vision coverage, visit the Medicare website or call (800) MEDICARE (633-4227).
Other Programs
EyeCare America (American Academy of Ophthalmology) connects eligible seniors 65 and older with a medical eye exam often at no out-of-pocket cost, and up to one year of follow-up care for any condition diagnosed during the initial exam. The EyeCare America Glaucoma Program provides a glaucoma eye exam at no cost to those who are eligible and uninsured. For more information, call (877) 887-6327 or visit the EyeCare America website.
Howard University Hospital Department of Ophthalmology offers a limited number of eye exams each year for people with no health insurance and/or no job. Howard University Hospital Eye Clinic accepts Medicaid. Call (202) 865-1257 for more information.
MedStar Washington Hospital Center Eye Center offers a limited number of eye exams each year for people with no health insurance and/or no job. MedStar Washington Hospital Center accepts Medicare and District of Columbia Medicaid. Call (202) 877-3937 for more information.
Inova Lions Eye Clinic at INOVA Fairfax Hospital provides free eye care to uninsured adult patients that meet certain income requirements. Clinic patients must be referred by a local Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) or community safety net partner. Call (703) 876-2700 for more information.
Eyeglasses
Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington Affordable Eyeglasses Clinic
The Affordable Eyeglasses Clinic provides prescription eyeglasses to individuals who need eyeglasses but cannot afford their full cost. Eyeglasses start at $40, including frames. Insurance is not accepted. The Eyeglasses Clinic is located at 415 2nd Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. A prescription (dated within the last year) is required. POB does not provide eye exams. All visits are by appointment only.
Call (202) 269-0203, option 1, to schedule an appointment or for more information.