Alaska Optometric Assn

Information may not be reliable

Vision for a Lifetime

Regular eye exams are the key to ensuring a lifetime of healthy vision for you and your family.
Infants- The Alaska Optometric Association encourages parents to include a trip to the optometrist in the list of well-baby check-ups. Assessments at six to twelve months of age can determine healthy vision for successful development.
Students- Nearly 25 percent of school-age children have vision problems, but 86 percent of children entering first grade do not receive an eye exam.
Eye exams for children entering school are critical for the early intervention needed to treat diseases and disorders that can lead to poor school performance and can ultimately affect a child’s quality of life.
Adults & Seniors - You have changed over the years and so have your eyes. Adults, beginning in their early to mid-40s, can experience changes in their ability to see clearly at close distances. This normal aging change in the eye’s focusing ability will continue during the 40s and 50s making regular eye exams a priority.
Aging adults have an increasing risk for the development of cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration and other sight threatening conditions such as diabetes. When vision loss does occur, the Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, with the support of Lions Clubs, conducts low vision clinics statewide to help people with vision loss get the specialized equipment and support they need to continue a full, active life.
Exam Assistance Programs
InfantSEE- Under the program, InfantSEE, optometrists provide a no cost comprehensive infant eye assessment, regardless of income or insurance. Assessments at six to twelve months of age can determine healthy develoment of vision.
Visit infantsee.org to find a doctor and learn more about the program.

Sight for Students - Sight for Students is a VSP charity that provides no cost vision exams and glasses to low-income, uninsured children. The quality care that VSP doctors provide through the Sight for Students Program has helped more than a quarter-million children see their world clearly.
The process is simple. Just call (877) 693-2562 / (907) 770-3777 or e-mail akoa@alaska.com the AKOA office today to get an Exam Certificate for your child.

Child is 18 years old or younger and has not graduated high school.
Child or parent is a U.S. citizen or documented immigrant with a Social Security Number.
Child has not used the program in the last 12 months.

Lions Club - The Lions Club stands ready to assist people in need. If you are in need of assistance please contact the Lions Club today.
Call (907) 566-1597 to apply for Lions Club assistance.
Vision USA - Vision USA provides basic eye health and vision care services, free of charge, to the many uninsured, low-income people and their families who have no other means of obtaining care.
Call (800) 766-4466 or visit www.aoa.org to apply online or by mail. For additional information contact Vision USA by e-mail, visionusa@aoa.org.