What is the Emergency Eye Care Program?
How do I apply?
What are the eligibility requirements?
What is covered?
Where can I get more information?
What is the Emergency Eye Care Program?
The Emergency Eye Care Program (EEC) (“the program”) seeks to prevent blindness and restore vision through medical intervention. The program provides emergency eye surgery to qualifying New Mexico residents outside of Bernalillo County, who lack the resources to cover the cost of a medical eye emergency.How do I apply?
Consult an eye physician of your choosing. Click on the links below to download the applications. The Emergency Eye Care Program Referral Letter must be completed by the eye physician and the Financial Eligibility Form must be completed by the patient. Or the participating physician may obtain the forms by contacting the EEC Administrator at (505) 272-6123. Once the forms have been completed by the eye physician, please fax to (505) 272-6125.
Provider Information
Patient Financial Eligibility Form
(Adobe Reader required to open.)
What are the eligibility requirements?
1. The applicant applying for assistance must be a US Citizen or Resident Alien
2. The applicant must be a New Mexico Resident
3. The applicant must reside outside of Bernalillo County
4. The applicant must not receive Medicaid, Medicare, State Coverage Insurance (SIC), Social Security (SSA/SSI), or have Third Party Insurance (this may include any other assistance from another agency). Exceptions to those that are in a transitional period awaiting coverage will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
5. The applicant will be relied upon as a primary source of information about residency and the wages he/she has reported to be correct and truthful.
6. The application will be reviewed by the EEC Administrator and forwarded to the Program Director, Dr. Mark Schluter for approval.
What is covered?
Covered procedures include emergency eye care problems that, if not expeditiously attended to, could result in irreversible vision loss or structural damage to the eye. The majority of procedures provided are laser treatments, retinal reattachments, and treatments for acute eye trauma. The program enables patients to receive a continuity of care with an ophthalmologist of his or her own choosing. This program is the only means by which many persons can obtain eye treatment. Our aim is to return those served to their previous activities and prevent the need for expensive rehabilitative services. This program is not an insurance company or a charity.
Where can I get more information on other programs?
State of New Mexico Commission for the Blind
The Commission for the Blind provides services designed to enable persons who are blind to become fully participating, contributing members of society. Blind people lead normal lives, have families, raise children, participate in community activities, and work in a wide range of jobs. They are secretaries, lawyers, teachers, engineers, machinists, scientists, supervisors and business owners. The real challenge is to educate blind people about their own potential and to educate society about the capabilities of persons who are blind. Please visit their website for more information
http://www.cfb.state.nm.us/Introduction.html.New Mexico Resources
This is a comprehensive website that provides information on public benefits available in New Mexico. Our intent is to simplify complicated information; make it available in one location. Please visit their website for more information http://www.newmexicoresources.org/.
Santa Fe Project Access
Santa Fe Project Access (SFPA) has partnered with the Santa Fe County community to provide a new system of care for qualifying people without current health care coverage that reside within the county. The goal of the SFPA is to help people in need of medical care who are unable to find the necessary resources. Please visit their website for more information http://www.sfaccess.org/.
The Knights Templar Eye Foundation
As a Knight Templar, one has many opportunities to help others who are less fortunate. One way is through the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. The Eye Foundation is a Great Humanitarian Charity whose purpose is to provide research, surgical treatment and hospitalization to those who suffer from diseases or injury to the eyes. Cross-eyes, which occur in children under 16, is one affliction that can lead to blindness if not treated properly. Any questions or comments regarding the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. can email ktefofc@ix.netcom.com.
State Coverage Insurance
State Coverage Insurance (SCI) is designed for working New Mexico residents, 19-64 years of age with household incomes up to 200% of the Federal Income Guidelines including small employers and non-profits with 50 or fewer eligible employees and self-employed individuals. Please visit their website http://www.insurenewmexico.state.nm.us/SCIHome.htm.
Lions Eye Foundation
The New Mexico Lions Eye Foundation (NMLEF) was formed in 1995. In 1996, a matching grant of $40,000 from LCIF permitted the Foundation to purchase a 34' motor home specifically designed and compartmented for use as an eye screening vehicle. Delivery was taken of the vehicle on November 2, 1996 and thereafter equipment was installed to permit eye screenings. The first screening was conducted in Albuquerque on January 25, 1997. Under the NMLEF constitution, each screening must be sponsored by a Lions Club in Multiple District 40. In fiscal year 2000-2001, a contract was entered into between the Foundation and the NM Department of Health to provide certain services for diabetics and in return receive reimbursement of expenses. For more information you can contact Tom Himrod at liontomsantafe@aol.com or Jeff Kriz at jeffkriz@msn.com. Please visit their website for more information http://www.nmlions.org/faq.htm.