To qualify for a free operation, patients must have a correctable medical problem and no health insurance, including Medicare or Medicaid. We don't want anyone losing their sight when they don't have to. Doctors expect most of the cases to be cataracts, a clouding of the eye's lens that can cause blindness. Vision loss often happens slowly, Oppenheim said. It's often so gradual that it's insidious.
Doctors can operate to replace the cloudy lens with a clear plastic implant.
The Lions Club hasn't put a limit on how many surgeries could be done in a year, but Pearlman expects it to be about nine - one for each doctor. We feel like giving someone their eyes back is about the best thing you can give them. People interested in the free eye surgery program should call the Lions Club at 875-9294. To qualify, patients must have no health insurance, including Medicare or Medicaid. The program covers a range of medical problems, including cataracts, glaucoma, retinal and corneal problems and crossed eyes, but not cosmetic surgery such as laser vision correction to reduce dependence on glasses.