Adults Programs

Each year, POB impacts more than 13,000 community members through our evidence-based programs for children and adults with low vision. These programs include vision acuity and glaucoma screenings, eyeglasses distributions and fittings, educational events on vision health, low vision rehabilitation, resource assistance, support groups, and more.
 

Affordable Eyeglasses Clinic

If you have a current eyeglasses prescription 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 setting. For more than 20 years, we have helped people across our community get the glasses they need to work, read, drive, and live independently.

Cost

Eyeglasses start at $40, frames included

Medicaid

No cost for covered eyeglasses with an accepted DC, Maryland, or Virginia Medicaid plan. View accepted plans

What to Bring

An eyeglasses prescription less than one year old

Location

415 2nd Street NE, Washington, DC 20002, near Union Station

By contacting our Eyeglasses Clinic or leaving a voicemail, you agree to receive a text message response about your inquiry. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out.

Please read before scheduling

  • A current eyeglasses prescription (less than one year old) is required. Please bring it to your appointment.
  • We do not provide eye exams through this program.
  • Appointments are required. We cannot serve walk-ins.

Need an eye exam and worried about cost? Our Financial Resources for Eye Care page lists Medicaid providers and other low-cost options in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

How much does a pair of eyeglasses cost?

  • Eyeglasses start at $40 for a basic pair, frames included. Additional lens options cost extra.
  • If you use an accepted DC, Maryland, or Virginia Medicaid plan, there is no cost for covered eyeglasses.
  • For all other orders, full payment is due when you order. We accept cash, credit cards, and money orders.

Do you provide contact lenses?

No. We do not provide contact lenses.

Do you accept Medicaid, Medicare, or other insurance?

We accept the DC, Maryland, and Virginia Medicaid plans listed below. We do not accept Medicare or any other insurance.

Before your appointment, please check with your Medicaid plan whether you need a referral or pre-authorization. If you are 21 or older and have Fee-for-Service Medicaid in DC, Maryland, or Virginia, you need pre-authorization for eyeglasses.

Questions? Call us at (202) 234-1010, option 1.

Medicaid
District of Columbia
  • Fee-for-Service Pre-authorization required for adults 21 and older
  • AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia
  • Health Services for Children with Special Needs (HSCSN)
  • MedStar Family Choice DC
  • UHC Dual Choice (D-SNP)
  • Wellpoint District of Columbia
Maryland
  • Fee-for-Service Pre-authorization required for adults 21 and older
  • CareFirst Community Health Plan
  • UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
Virginia (Cardinal Care)
  • Fee-for-Service Pre-authorization required for adults 21 and older
  • Anthem HealthKeepers Plus
  • UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

How do I get to the Eyeglasses Clinic?

Washington, D.C. Office
415 2nd Street NE, Washington, DC 20002, near Union Station  ·  Get Directions

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

For social service agencies

If you represent a social service agency and want to apply for financial assistance for a client, call (202) 234-1010, option 1. After the application is approved, the client must schedule an appointment.

Have old eyeglasses to donate?

Visit our Eyeglasses Recycling page to learn how to donate used eyeglasses.

Ready to make an appointment?

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

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.

To schedule an event or to learn more, call (202) 234-1010.