Q: Do we need to have medical training to do this?

A: No. Any staff member or reliable volunteer can provide the services. Training and technical support is provided by InFOCUS. You will not be administering an eye exam.

Q: Do we need an optician to dispense the eyeglasses?

A: No. This is not required in Texas at this time. However, regulations vary by state. Training and support will be provided. Local opticians may be helpful as well. You will be helping the client select frames that fit. You will also bend the frames as needed to make them more comfortable. The objective is for the frames to contact the person at only three points: the nose and over/behind the ears.

Q: What kind of physical set-up is needed?

A: A small area where clients and the volunteer may be seated; a table for record-keeping and health education literature; a place to file patient records; and a small space to display frames. You should also have a table-top mirror so that clients can see themselves wearing the frames.

Q: Is a Focometer required?

A: No.

Q: Do we have to establish eligibility for free or reduced-cost services?

A: No. That is left to each vision station to determine.

Q: How do we find eye doctors who will charge a nominal fee?

A: InFOCUS provides a sample letter and literature to send to doctors in your area. Also, ask your own eye doctors to help. Since the doctors don't have to provide eyeglasses, they're more likely to participate. Call InFOCUS if you need more help.

Q: How much will it cost our organization?

A: There is no charge to become a Vision Station. Some of our partners choose to set aside some funds or mark up the glasses to create a fund to help the neediest patients.

Q: What kind of eyeglasses will be available?

A: Polycarbonate single vision lenses for children, single and bi-focal lenses for adults. There are a variety of attractive frame styles. All lenses have UV protective coating.
What should we charge for the eyeglasses?

Q: How much do we remit to the optical company?

A: Suggested prices are provided for the standard selection of frames and lenses. Single vision glasses start at approximately $30 for adults and $25 for children. You will receive an updated price list when you sign the partnership agreement.

Q: What will it cost the people we serve?

A: There should be no charge for counseling, literature about preventive health strategies, referral to eye doctors or assistance in selecting eyeglasses. Participating eye doctors will determine the fee to be charged; a typical reduced fee for an eye exam would be $15 to $30. The Vision Station determines what to charge each patient for eyeglasses.

Q: What will it cost the people we serve?

A: There should be no charge for counseling, literature about preventive health strategies, referral to eye doctors or assistance in selecting eyeglasses. Participating eye doctors will determine the fee to be charged; a typical reduced fee for an eye exam would be $15 to $30. The Vision Station determines what to charge each patient for eyeglasses.

Q: What about collecting from Medicaid or other insurance programs?

A: The eye doctor or the Vision Station may file for reimbursement if patients are enrolled in an insurance program.

Q: What are the hours of operation?

A: The Vision Station can operate as often as every day of the week or as little as one morning or afternoon every other week.

Q: What if we don't have the space, resources or personnel to get started?

A: COLLABORATE! One partner can provide the space, another can seek sponsors, and others can recruit and organize volunteers or provide transportation. (It is not necessary to provide transportation, but it may help some clients.)