Free and Low-Cost Eye Exams and Glasses for Infants and Children | United Way of Monroe County and Indiana University School of Optometry partner to promote free eye care for children and infants

​United Way of Monroe County and Indiana University School of Optometry (IUSO) are pleased to announce a partnership to promote access to free and affordable eye exams and glasses for infants and children.
 
United Way Monroe County will work to expedite the intake process for families who are already receiving services through United Way partner agencies and promote IUSO’s existing pediatric services for low- and moderate-income families.
 
“Early eye intervention aims to detect and treat vision problems in children to insure all children have excellent vision and academic success,” explained Dr. Katie Connolly, Chief of Pediatric Services at Indiana University School of Optometry.

This program will expand access to optometry services for children and families in our community. It will also eliminate the need for referred clients to gather documentation or fill out eligibility paperwork for IUSO, since United Way partner agencies may pre-qualify individuals for free and reduced-fee services. 
 
If an individual's income has been determined by a partner agency to be 200% of the poverty level or less, they are eligible for free and reduced-fee services. A streamlined referral by a partner agency may be made to IUSO.  Additional information is available at www.monroeunitedway.org/IUSO.
 
“Often, there are barriers to affordable services for hardworking, busy families including lengthy application processes and waitlists. We commend IUSO and Indiana University for working with the community to streamline the process so that more children can access these services and get the best start in life possible,” shared United Way Executive Director Efrat Feferman. “Partnerships such as these help build resilient individuals and communities.”