Patient Resources

• National Eye Institute: The institute supports eye research and does not help individuals pay for eye care, but the site lists programs and resources for financing eye care – Financial Aid for Eye Care
• Optometry Cares, The AOA Foundation: This foundation houses a variety of resources and programs aimed at supporting charitable efforts relating to eye health and vision care including Healthy Eyes, Healthy People and VISION USA.
• Mission Cataract USA: This organization works with clinics across almost 20 states that provide free cataract surgery for those who have no means to afford it. Click here for a list of participating providers.
• The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology: This site offers an online referral center in which patients can learn if they qualify for a free eye exam by a participating provider.

Academic Publications

• Causes and Prevalence of Visual Impairment Among Adults in the United States
• Risks of Progression of Retinopathy and Vision Loss Related to Tight Blood Pressure Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
• National Eye Institute: Statistics and Data including a map developed by Prevent Blindness America showing vision problem prevalence by state.

Clinical Resources

• Evidence-based Clinical Practice Guideline Comprehensive Adult Eye and Vision Examination
• Evidence-based Clinical Practice Guideline Eye Care of the Patient with Diabetes Mellitus