Adults Programs

Affordable Eyeglasses Clinic

If you have a current prescription for eyeglasses but cannot afford the full cost of glasses, we are here to help.

Our Affordable Eyeglasses Clinic provides low-cost prescription eyeglasses in a respectful, welcoming environment. For more than 20 years, we have helped individuals across our community access the glasses they need to work, read, drive, and live independently.

Eyeglasses start at $40, including frames.

Location:
415 2nd Street NE
Washington, DC 20002

The Clinic is open by appointment only.

You may:

Book an appointment online, or
Call (202) 234-1010, option 1 for an appointment

Please read before scheduling:

A current eyeglasses prescription (less than one year old) is required.
We do not provide eye exams through this program.
If you need an eye exam and cost is a concern, please visit our Financial Resources for Eye Care page for information about Medicaid providers and other low-cost options in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a prescription for eyeglasses?

Yes. You must have a current eyeglasses prescription less than one (1) year old. Please bring your prescription to your appointment.

Does the Eyeglasses Clinic provide eye exams?

No. We do not provide eye exams. If you need an exam and cannot afford one, please visit our Financial Resources for Eye Care page.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You may:

Book an appointment online, or
Call (202) 234-1010, option 1 for an appointment

An appointment is required for your visit.

Can I walk in without an appointment?

No. We are unable to serve clients without an appointment.

How much does a pair of eyeglasses cost?

Eyeglasses start at $40 for a basic pair with single-vision or bifocal lenses (frames included).
Additional lens options cost extra.
There is no cost for clients using their District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia Medicaid benefit.

Do you provide contact lenses?

No, we do not provide contact lenses.

Do you accept Medicaid, Medicare, or other insurance?

We accept Medicaid (DC, Maryland, and Virginia only).
We do not accept Medicare or other insurance plans.

Full payment is required at the time of order (cash, credit card, or money order).

If you are enrolled in Medicaid, call the number on the back of your card to learn how to obtain an eye exam and/or eyeglasses.

If you are not enrolled in Medicaid, contact:

District of Columbia: (202) 442-5988 or dhcf.dc.gov
Maryland: (855) 642-8572 or mmcp.health.maryland.gov
Virginia: (855) 242-8282 or coverva.org

How do I get to the Eyeglasses Clinic?

Our clinic is located at 415 2nd Street NE, Washington, DC 20002, near Union Station.

For detailed directions, parking information, public transportation options, and step-by-step building entry instructions, please visit our Washington, DC Location Information page.

For Social Service Agencies:

If you represent a social service agency and would like to apply for financial assistance on behalf of a client, please call:

(202) 234-1010, option 1

After the application is approved, the client must schedule an appointment.

Eyeglasses Recycling:

Visit our page on Eyeglasses Recycling to learn about donating used eyeglasses.

For more information, contact:

(202) 234-1010, option 1

See For Yourself Screening and Education Program

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye’s optic nerve and may result in progressive, irreversible vision loss and blindness. Early detection is important for treating glaucoma and slowing its progression.

See For Yourself provides free screenings for more than 3,000 adults in Greater Washington annually. Screenings occur at major employment hubs, community or recreation centers, health fairs, places of worship, senior centers, and other community-based locations.

In addition to the screenings POB provides, the best way to prevent permanent vision loss from glaucoma is with regular, comprehensive dilated eye exams from an eye care professional (optometrist or ophthalmologist).

What is a glaucoma screening?

Our screening uses a non-invasive visual field test to check your peripheral (side) vision, which could be affected by glaucoma. Our screening evaluates how well you can see objects off to the sides of your vision without moving your eyes. The screening takes just 40 seconds per eye. It is not the “air puff” (tonometry) test.

Our screening does not diagnose glaucoma. It will alert you of a possible deficiency in your peripheral vision, which could indicate glaucoma. You should follow up with an eye care professional (optometrist, ophthalmologist), who can diagnose or rule out glaucoma.

What is a visual acuity screening?

Our visual acuity screening helps you understand how clearly you see. We will ask you to read letters that are up close and far away. If you normally wear glasses or contact lenses to help with reading and/or seeing over certain distances, you should wear them during the screening. Our staff will explain the results of your visual acuity screening, but only an eye care professional (optometrist, ophthalmologist) is authorized to write a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Schedule a Screening

To request a screening or education event, please contact:
(202) 234-1010

GlaucomaDC.org

Eye Health Education Events

Throughout the year, ophthalmologists and other eye care professionals volunteer to bring eye health education to our community through the POB Speakers Bureau.

These free, in-person events present the latest information on various eye health topics, including general eye health, low vision, glaucoma, macular degeneration, amblyopia/strabismus, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, and more. Events are held throughout the region at community gathering places.

Events

No event found!

Interested in hosting an eye health education event?

Eye health events are a vital health education opportunity for your civic, social, religious, or school group audience of 15 or more people.

Please contact us at least eight weeks before your proposed date/event. Availability is not guaranteed, as doctors may not be available at certain times.

Each interactive event includes a question-and-answer session with the presenter. Please note that many doctors request basic audio/visual capabilities (microphone, projector, computer) for their talks and on-site parking.