Financial Assistance, Eye Care for Indigent

Virginia Lions Eye Clinic provides basic eye care to people who could not afford care. The clinic is located at Fairfax County Hospital and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.  Financial assistance is provided to those who quality for hospitalization when surgery is required.  Eye examinations, surgery or ancillary services are provided by ophthalmologists who volunteer their services.  However, a second cost factor is the expenses of the hospital.  Indigent patients will be assisted in the investigation of potential financial assistance regardless of residence. This assistance may be through state or federal programs or through funds provided by Fairfax Hospital for the care of indigents.

Within the Clinic's operation are many specialized areas. Cataract, Glaucoma, Oculoplastics, Retina, Lions, Children Specialty Services, and Cornea/External Disease services are available . These services are scheduled throughout the month. Eye exam patients are scheduled on designated Fridays.

The Lions Eye Clinic provides services for indigent individuals only. Family assistance workers in the Fairfax County Health Department determine an individual's indigent status. Individuals, who have no medical insurance coverage, meet certain income standards based on the number of dependents, and are classified as coming under the Income "A" category may qualify as indigent.

Referrals to the Clinic are made by the Fairfax County Health Department, Arlington County Health Department, Arlington Free Clinic, Baileys Crossroads Health Clinic, Alexandria Casey Clinic, South County Health Clinic, and doctors.  Any Lions Club throughout District 24-A can refer indigent individuals to the Lions Eye Clinic for treatment and or surgery.

The Lions Eye Clinic (of District 24-A) is a cooperative effort between the District 24-A Lions Clubs, the Fairfax County Health Department and volunteer ophthalmologists.