Chat with Chic, February 20, 1987

Chat with Chic A Report from Washington FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: MIKE MILLER FEBRUARY 20, 1987 (202) 224-6244 NEVADA EYE PHYSICIANS TREAT BLINDING DISEASES THROUGH NEVADA HELPLINE Nevada leads the way in offering medical eye care to disadvantaged senior citizens through the National Eye Care Project (NECP). This program sponsored by the Nevada Ophthalmological Society and the American Academy of Ophthalmology is available to anyone age 65 or over who is a U.S. citizen and doesn't have access to an ophthalmologist. Volunteer Nevada ophthalmologists have uncovered: 572 cases of cataracts, 57 cases of glaucoma, 125 cases of macular degeneration, 22 cases of diabetic retinopathy among the senior citizens who have called the toll-free Helpline -- 1-800-222-EYES (3937) -- to receive assistance through the NECP . Since the Helpline opened up for business, more than 162,657 senior citizens throughout the nation have called for help. About 34 percent of those examined by ophthalmologists report that they had never received a full eye examination. Thomas Conklin, MD , President of the Nevada Ophthalmological Society says, "We want elderly people to know that failing eyesight in their later years can be prevented or lessened through early diagnosis and treatment." "We are now able to repair or even replace certain parts of the eye by using sophisticated surgical tools and important new drug therapies." A senior citizen who calls the Helpline and meets the requirements for care will receive the name of a volunteer eye physician in the mail. These physicians will treat the patient, regardless of his or her ability to pay and will accept Medicare or insurance assignment as payment in full. The ophthalmologist will work with a local hospital to make care available if the patient must be hospitalized. Hospital charges, eyeglasses and prescription drugs are not available through this prog ram. The Helpline is open weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm. Again the number is 1-800-222-EYES (3937). Already 1,145 Nevada residents have called this number and received help.