FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Lions Eye Program, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization established in 1970. We provide service to individuals in Northeast Ohio who live within the following Ohio counties*:

Ashtabula, Belmont,  Carroll, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Lake, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, Wayne.  

See the visual list of our service areas on our Lions Clubs Network page. *Residents outside of these counties may also qualify for our services, pending review. 

Residents outside of Northeast Ohio or living in other states may be able to find help locally in their area. Find a Lions Club out of our service area that may be able to help by clicking on Find a Club. 

Uninsured individuals (not covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or any other insurance or supplemental insurance), who are in need of an eye exam and/or glasses can apply using these forms. After completing the application, mail or email the application.  If you are outside of Northeast Ohio or in another area of the country, you can also locate a club by clicking on Find a Club. After clicking the link, you will be able to message the club in your area for local assistance.

Any adult or child living in Northeast Ohio who DOES NOT HAVE INSURANCE COVERAGE and completes the application forms may be eligible for eye care through Lions Eye Program Northeast Ohio. If the applicant has any type of insurance, such as Medicare or Medicaid, that company should provide eye exams and/or glasses. If an insured applicant requests assistance from the Lions Eye Program, the application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

If you have Medicare, you should find a Medicare provider to get an eye exam. After the eye exam, contact a Lions Club nearest you in District OH3 or OH4  for an application, or download the application online here. Include a copy of the prescription for glasses with the application. If an insured applicant requests assistance from the Lions Eye Program, the application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Those with Medicaid should contact a Medicaid provider. Medicaid covers both eye exams and prescription lenses.

The approval is for standard lenses and standard bifocal lenses.  We do not cover transitional or unlined lenses.  We do not cover special coatings.  We allow one pair of glasses every 2 years.

Contact information, social security number, income, household expenses, and the services requested (exam, glasses, surgery) must be completed on the application. The application is sent back to the Lions Club in your area for review. The Lions Eye Program will send a letter to the applicant as well as to the Lions Club and provider. 

1. 1. A $10 co-pay for an eye examination is due to the provider at the time of the examination. 
2. A $10 co-pay for prescription eyeglasses is due to the provider at the time of the order. 

No. Patients are responsible for arranging their own transportation.