I have a little friend who is 16 and the daughter of an illegal immigrant. Her dad has been having trouble finding work (obviously with increased immigration enforcement) and they have a big family. On Tuesday they got into a car accident and of course do not have insurance, and her glasses were broken.
This is such a heart wrenching situation because of course her parents never should have come to the U.S. illegally but that is not HER fault. And now she is going to fall behind in school because she cannot see very well. She was born in the U.S. so I think she is legally authorized to work and she is a good kid. She is so smart and talented, so responsible. I want to help her.
Does anyone know of an optometrist who offers discounts for cash payers or for the needy? She is going to ask her mom if her optometrist has a replacement program for her glasses and is going to report back to me on Monday with what she finds out.
But I thought I'd tap into the nestie knowledge network as a backup plan.
Thanks!
Re: Optometrist resources for the needy
Does she have the scrip?
http://forum.purseblog.com/misc-deals/free-prescription-glasses-678131-13.html
Coastal Contacts runs amazing specials (think $10 for glasses.) Just watch that thread for deals.
So Tasty, So Yummy
There are a few places in town that can give her new glasses. I book marked this story from last March because it was so wonderful.
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/consumer&id=7990770
I really hope they an help her.
Another option if they have the prescription...
http://www.zennioptical.com/#/?gender[]=745&order=price
Complete lenses and frames for kids glasses around $7
- Paula Deen to 104.1 KRBE's Producer Eric 9/17/2011
Thanks for your information. Have checked out this website and ordered one pair for my daughter. Pink acetate full-rim frame with heart-shaped ornaments and 1.57 free single vision lenses totally cost me $20 including shipping. Now we are waiting for the new glasses. If we are satisfied with this order, we will purchase more.
Thank you to everyone who helped me identify resources. We finally made it to the InFocus location off Washington and they had several cute frames she liked.
A review: they have some frames that are free. Those are wire frames. Not preferred by a 16 year old and not good in a home with siblings whose hands might get ahold of the glasses and bend/break them.
They had some moderately priced glasses - $20-25 - she found a cute pair in this price range.
Then they had some "Mandalay" frames for $65. You pay $10-20 for the lenses, depending on your prescription. So we were out the door for $35.
If you know of anyone in need, you can also have them go to one of these locations (see Almond's link above), and they will test the person's vision using a simple eye test. They can refer the individual to a doctor in their network who will do the eye exam for $15.00. However the doctor's offices are on the far north side (kuykendahl) so it is a trip for someone without public transportation.
Anyway, thanks again. The glasses should be ready in a week and my friend can get caught up on her school work without headaches at that time. =D
- Paula Deen to 104.1 KRBE's Producer Eric 9/17/2011