Free and Low Cost Eye Care Resources in the Bay Area

1. Lions Eye Foundation of California-Nevada, Inc. (San Francisco)

Free eye exams, operations, and medications for people who can’t afford care. Accessed through referrals from Lions clubs, clinics, or doctors. No cost to patient.

2. Tzu Chi USA – iCare510 Vision Care (Oakland / East Bay)

Provides free eye exams and prescription glasses for children, seniors, and underserved residents. Offers mobile clinics in East Bay communities.

3. Vision to Learn (Bay Area schools)

Mobile vision clinics that provide free eye exams and glasses for students in low-income districts.

4. Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (San Jose / Palo Alto / Santa Cruz)

Offers low-vision evaluations, rehabilitation, and training for people with vision loss. Some services are free or on a sliding scale.

5. Bay Vision Eyecare Optometry (Oakland)

Hosts free vision screenings on certain days and partners with nonprofits for children’s exams. Screenings typically occur monthly.

6. New Eyes (national program)

Provides vouchers for free prescription eyeglasses for low-income adults and children. Requires a valid eyeglass prescription (exam not included).

7. Healthier Kids Foundation – VisionFirst (Santa Clara County)

Free vision screenings for children 6 months to 18 years old and assistance with obtaining glasses.

8. Friends for Sight Vision Clinics (San Jose area)

Offers free eye exams and glasses for uninsured or low-income individuals (ages 3–100). Requires income verification and lack of insurance.

9. Healthy San Francisco – Vision Resource Guide (SF Bay Area)

Directory of free or low-cost vision clinics across San Francisco. Services and hours vary.

10. National Eye Institute (U.S. resource)

Provides information on where to find free or low-cost eye care programs nationwide and how to apply.