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Where to Get a Free Eye Exam for Seniors in Florida

Use the free tool — Hearing & Vision Help Finder

If This Is Sudden or Urgent

Sudden vision loss, eye pain, flashes of light, or a curtain over your vision means you should see a doctor or go to the ER today. This tool covers cost and coverage only. It is not medical advice.

What Medicare Really Covers

Original Medicare does not pay for routine eye exams or eyeglasses/contacts. Here is what it does cover:

• A yearly diabetic eye exam.
• Glaucoma tests for people at high risk.
• Cataract surgery, plus one pair of glasses or contacts after that surgery.

Many Medicare Advantage plans add vision benefits that Original Medicare does not. Compare plans during open enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7) with free help from Florida SHINE, 1-800-963-5337.

Source: Medicare.gov — Hearing & balance exams · Eyeglasses & contacts.

Free and Low-Cost Eye Exams

• EyeCare America: volunteer ophthalmologists give a free eye exam to eligible seniors age 65 and older. See EyeCare America (AAO) to check eligibility.
• Lions Clubs: local clubs often help with glasses and eye exams. Contact your local club directly.
• University and community college eye clinics, and community health centers with vision services, may also offer lower-cost exams. Ask each one directly about cost and eligibility.

If Vision Loss Is Significant

The Florida Division of Blind Services offers independent-living services, training, and devices for people with significant vision loss.

Before You Pay: Ask These Questions

Ask for the itemized price. Ask whether bundled services can be unbundled. If you are also getting hearing aids, ask about the return and trial period — Florida law requires a 30-day trial period for hearing aids (Fla. Stat. 484.0512).

What to Do Next

Use the free tool. Type what you need — an eye exam, glasses, cataract surgery, or help with low vision — your coverage, and your county. It reads your own numbers and your own document and tells you, in large type, in English or Spanish, what's covered, what isn't, and which real programs may apply. Nothing you type is stored. This is not medical advice — confirm with Medicare, your plan, SHINE, or the program itself.

Hearing & Vision Help Finder explains coverage and assistance programs in plain language from official sources; it can be wrong, and it is not medical or insurance advice. It recommends no products. Confirm with Medicare, your plan, SHINE or the program itself. Nothing you type is stored.