Routine eye exams and glasses or contact lenses are not necessarily included in health insurance coverage. If you are insured, check your Summary of Benefits and Coverage to figure out whether it's a part of your plan.

AGS Cares The American Glaucoma Society helps people with low incomes or no insurance get glaucoma surgery through its AGS Cares program.

EyeCare America offers free comprehensive eye exams — and up to 1 year of care — to people age 18 and older.

Free Eye Screening: Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired For more information about preventing vision loss, call 973-648-7400 or fax at 973-648-4799

InfantSEE: This program provides a free comprehensive eye exam for infants between 6 and 12 months old, with no income limits. How to apply: You can find an optometrist in your area who participates in the program through the InfantSEE website. 

Lions Clubs International: Local Lions Clubs offer assistance with eye care and may provide eyeglasses through their programs.

Allentown Lions Club
Atlantic Highlands Lions Club
Colts Neck Lions Club
Eatontown Lions Club
Freehold Township Lions Club
Highlands Lions Club
Howell Lions Club
Middletown Township Lions Club
Neptune Lions Club
West Long Branch Lions Club

Mission Cataract USA offers free cataract surgery to people of all ages who can’t afford it.

NJ FamilyCare does cover medically necessary eye exams and prescription glasses.

National Eye Institute - Get Free or Low-Cost Eye Care

New Eyes  [email protected]. Program provides basic single or lined bifocal lenses at no cost. Applications can be submitted by a social service or health advocacy representative. Individual must have a current (within 24 months) prescription.

Operation Sight helps people with low incomes get cataract surgery.

Prevent Blindness has a full list of organizations and services that provide financial help for vision care.

ReSpectacle. Provides access to gently used eyeglasses across a wide array of styles and prescriptions for a low cost There is a $5 processing feee and additional donations are encouraged if possible

VSP Eyes of Hope/ Sight for Students: This program provides a free comprehensive eye exam and prescription glasses to children 19 and under who meet certain income and insurance criteria. How to apply: Your child's school nurse may be able to provide information about getting a gift certificate.

Vision to Learn: This is a program that provides free eye exams and glasses to students in certain cities.

Last Updated: 10/20/25