Being able to see makes a world of difference. Those who need glasses may not always have the funds to purchase them, which can make it difficult to go about their daily business. The good news is that there are programs that provide prescription glasses assistance for ex-felons, making it easier than ever to ensure they can see clearly.
The average cost of prescription glasses is around $200. There is also usually a fee for the eye exam, so that there is a prescription that can be used to create the glasses. These fees can add up quickly and those who are financially challenged may choose to go without glasses, or may not feel they can afford to get glasses updated regularly. It is important to know where to turn for help, so that those who need prescription glasses can still get them, even if they can’t afford to pay for them.
It is recommended that most people get new glasses every two to three years. This is because your eyes may change some, and the prescription you have is not working as well by that point. Some people may not need new glasses at that point, but without an annual eye exam it would be difficult to know. Getting an annual exam will help you determine if your eyesight has changed you are a candidate for new glasses.
Prescription Glasses Assistance for Ex-Felons
Below are some programs that offer prescription glasses assistance for ex-felons and others. Programs typically do not discriminate against someone being an ex-felon when it comes to helping them with eye doctor appointments and obtaining prescription glasses. The programs are open to everyone who is financially challenged and needs the help to obtain prescription glasses.
There are no limits to how many programs you can contact, so be sure to reach out to all those you feel qualified for. The more programs you contact, the more likely you are to get the help you need obtaining prescription glasses. Plus, it never hurts to have additional glasses on hand, in case you lose or break a pair. Then you will have another one you can immediately reach for.
Lions Club – This organization is known for collecting used prescription glasses that people in the public no longer need, and then giving them to those who need them. Those who need help purchasing prescription glasses can contact them for assistance and to see how their program works in their area. They should be able to provide you with free prescription glasses, and share information on where you can go in your area to obtain them. They should also be able to help you get access to a free eye exam, so you will be able to easily get the right prescription. To get more information about the free eyeglass program with the Lions Club, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization has locations around the country. They offer a variety of helpful programs to assist those in the community. They will help those who need assistance purchasing prescription glasses and obtaining a free eye exam. To get help through this charity you have to contact the location that is near you. To find a location near you, click here.
National Eye Institute – The federal government maintains a list of programs around the country that offer help obtaining free eye exams and prescription glasses. The programs are open to those who have a low income and are financially challenged. To access the program and list of participants in your area, click here.
Local Lions Club – There are Lions Club locations around the country, and they are all able to help people with a variety of needs, including obtaining free glasses. To find a local Lions Club and get access to their free prescription glasses program, click here.
Lions Vision Services – Those who have a low income will be able to obtain a free pair of eyeglasses through this program. The program is to help those who have a low income, are in poverty, or do not have insurance. The organization will pay for the costs associated with the eye exam, as well as the prescription glasses. They do not provide upgrades to the glasses, such as tints, progressive lenses, or transition lenses. Their assistance is for basic lenses only. Once you apply for the program, you will receive notification within 10 days as to whether or not you have been approved. Those who are approved for the program will be able to get glasses and the bill will be sent directly to this organization. To get more information about the program offered, click here.
Salvation Army – This is another faith-based organization that will provide prescription glasses assistance for ex-felons. They have locations around the country and provide helpful programs for those in the communities where they are located. They will help people be able to get an eye exam and free prescription glasses. To get help be sure to contact a location near you. To get more information about the organization and find a location near you, click here.
These places will all help people obtain an eye exam and free prescription glasses. Another good place to contact is your local health department. Each county has a health department and they can provide services like this. Those who have a low income can typically get services like this for free through the health department, or they can provide you with local places that will help you with obtaining the glasses.
Another option is to contact local churches in your area. Most of them have programs in place to help those who have a low income and are financially challenged. They will help with getting an eye exam and providing prescription glasses assistance for ex-felons, as well as others. The churches can also provide you with referrals to programs in your area that may be able to help. These programs all provide the help free and do not expect the funds to ever be paid back.
