These are different organizations and charities that offer free eye care and prescription eyeglasses for Philadelphians.
Medicaid
To enroll in Pennsylvania, call
(800) 440-3989
Eligible population for Pennsylvania:
Adults (ages 19 to 64) with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FDL) are eligible for Medicaid, or about an annual income of $36,156 for a family of four. Children in households with incomes up to 319% of FPL are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP.
Four Medicaid Programs in Philadelphia:
- Aetna Better Health Community Plan
- Health Partners Community Plan
- Keystone Community Plan
- United Health Care Community Plan SE
General vision benefits for children under 21:
Early and periodic screening, diagnostic and treatment services; additional services: two frames and four lenses covered per calendar year. Additional eyeglasses or contact lenses may be approved if medically necessary.
General vision benefits for adults:
Basic services and two vision exams covered per calendar year. Eyeglasses may be covered without diagnoses for adults enrolled in a managed care plan.
CHIP
To enroll in Pennsylvania, call
(800) 986-KIDS (5437)
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a comprehensive health insurance program funded by the federal government and states for all children under 19 years of age who meet eligibility guidelines.
CHIP is for children whose household income is too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private coverage. Please refer to CHIP Income Guidelines Chart.
Give Kids Sight Day
Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY) organizes the Annual Give Kids Sight Day at Jefferson Alumni Hall in Philadelphia. Participating organizations including the Eagles Charitable Foundation, Wills Eye Hospital, Essilor Vision Foundation, and doctors and volunteers provide free eye care and eyeglasses for underinsured or uninsured children ages 17 and younger.
Eagles Charitable Foundation
(215) 463-2500
The Philadelphia Eagles Charitable Foundation provides free eye exams and prescription eyeglasses to under-insured and uninsured children in the Greater Philadelphia area. Since 1996, the Eagles Eye Mobile visits up to 120 schools in Philadelphia every year.
New Eyes for the Needy
(973) 376-4903
Usually, their voucher program for a free basic pair of single or lined bifocal lenses usually requires an application to be submitted by a social service agency/health advocate. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are accepting applications from individuals who have been financially affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Applicants must have an eye exam (they do not provide eye exams) that includes their pupillary distance. All vouchers are valid for three months after the date of issue and can be redeemed only through their New Eyes’ on-line eye store. You may not apply for another voucher for 12 months.
ReSpectacle
Browse through ReSpectacle’s database and pick the pair of used prescription eyeglasses that best approximates with your prescription based on percentile match. ReSpectacle allows three orders of free prescription eyeglasses per calendar year per individual. They do not perform eye exams and shipping is free of charge.
Teen Vision 