The Kentucky Vision Project is a program that is funded solely by private donations with the express purpose of providing free eye exams and glasses to low income families. Many optometrists throughout the state of Kentucky donate their examinations to those who participate in the program. Those who are eligible for this service do not have any other type of insurance. All applicants are screened by either area Salvation Army or Community Action Agencies to determine eligibility.

Interested individuals may obtain an application from the Bell-Whitley Community Action Agency or by contacting the Kentucky Vision Project. Upon completion of the application, the Agency then screens it using the Federal guidelines of poverty level income and then marks and returns the application to KVP as either approved or not approved. Any applicant that is approved is then assigned to a participating doctor in the county where they reside. Should there not be any participating doctor in their county, two alternative counties are then chosen by the applicant.

Once a doctor has been found, an exam is then scheduled. Either the patient will receive a notice informing them to contact the doctor and schedule an appointment, or the doctor’s office will contact the patient to set up the appointment. Since all participating doctors donate their services, if glasses are required it is requested that the patient make a $20 donation for each family member that receives them. This fee is to offset the cost of the lenses, mailing costs, and helps to keep the Kentucky Vision Project solvent. However, due to the tremendous number of requests, this service is offered only one time to each applicant.

For more information on The Kentucky Vision Project contact us at 606-337-3044 or stop by your nearest Bell-Whitley office.