Prevent Blindness Texas, The Houston Ophthalmological Society, The University Of Houston College Of Optometry, and Dr. Amy Coburn of Baylor College of Medicine have worked to fill the vision needs of Houston’s homeless. Originally funded by Harris County Community Services Department (HCCSD), the “Vision Matters” program is a cooperative effort between the agencies to provide FREE EYE EXAMS and EYEGLASSES, and by scheduling vision screening days in the shelters, half way houses and transitional living facilities in the Houston/Harris County area. The goal of the program is to expand and coordinate existing eye care programs serving the homeless in Houston.
There are approximately 10,000 – 14,000 homeless individuals in Harris County, Texas at any given time. Approximately a third of this population report visual problems, and others are at risk for treatable, initially asymptomatic eye disease such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Most homeless patients do not have access to medical insurance, have no routine eye care, and utilize emergency centers as primary treatment sites only when problems become severely symptomatic.
In order to qualify for services:
- The client’s family income must be no greater than 150% of the federal poverty guidelines;
- The client must print and complete Exams and Glasses Application, Form 1 and 2 by clicking on the links below;
- The client must submit a letter of residency less than 30 days old from the actual application date on letterhead from the shelter stating the homeless/indigent status;
- The client must provide ONE copy of any official form of identification;
- The client must mail the application with the required documents to the address indicated on the application or fax to 713-529-8310.
Exams and Glasses Application, Form 1
Exams and Glasses Application, Form 2
To learn more about Prevent Blindness Texas's programs and services, call us at 1-888-98-SIGHT (in-state) or 713-526-2559 or any of our branch offices.
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