United Way of Monroe County and Indiana University School of Optometry partner to promote free eye care for children and infants

April 7, 2022 – United Way of Monroe County and Indiana University School of Optometry (IUSO) are pleased to announce a partnership to promote access to free and affordable eye exams and glasses for infants and children. 

United Way Monroe County will work to expedite the intake process for families who are already receiving services through United Way partner agencies and promote IUSO’s existing pediatric services for low- and moderate-income families.

“Early eye intervention aims to detect and treat vision problems in children to insure all children have excellent vision and academic success,” explained Dr. Katie Connolly, Chief of Pediatric Services at Indiana University School of Optometry.

This program will expand access to optometry services for children and families in our community. It will also eliminate the need for referred clients to gather documentation or fill out eligibility paperwork for IUSO, since United Way partner agencies may pre-qualify individuals for free and reduced-fee services.

If an individual's income has been determined by a partner agency to be 200% of the poverty level or less, they are eligible for free and reduced-fee services. A streamlined referral by a partner agency may be made to IUSO by following these steps:

• Set up an appointment by calling (812) 855-8436. The client or agency may do this.
• Send an agency letter of verification of income to IUSO on official agency letterhead. The letter should note that the referred client is receiving service from the agency and does meet the income criteria of 200% below the federal poverty line within the past 12 months. 

The letter of verification of income can be faxed to the IUSO Community Outreach program at (812) 855-6116 or can be sent with the patient to their appointment. 

“Often, there are barriers to affordable services for hardworking, busy families including lengthy application processes and waitlists. We commend IUSO and Indiana University for working with the community to streamline the process so that more children can access these services and get the best start in life possible,” shared United Way Executive Director Efrat Feferman. “Partnerships such as these help build resilient individuals and communities.”

About United Way of Monroe County

United Way of Monroe County is a nonprofit organization that improves the lives and futures of all people in the community. We bring together expertise, funding, and volunteer support to positively impact the resilience of our community, and those who live within it. In partnership with others, we work to eliminate inequities experienced by low-income and diverse populations so that all people have a safe, healthy home environment, achieve their educational potential, and increase their financial stability. We commit to building bridges across cultural, racial, religious, and economic boundaries.

About Indiana University School of Optometry

Indiana University School of Optometry has a mission to protect, advance and promote vision, eye care and health of people worldwide. They have two active clinics serving patients in our community through the Atwater Eye Care Center in Bloomington, Ind. and the Indianapolis Eye Care Center in Indianapolis, Ind. Each clinic offers comprehensive vision care including specialty services in pediatric eye care, vision therapy, myopia management, dry eye, contact lenses, vision rehabilitation and ocular disease. They aim to serve the entire population and break down barriers for access to care.