In October 2006, for the first time in 20 years, New Eyes for the Needy increased reimbursement rates paid to participating optical dispensers.

Under the new rates, opticians that provide eyeglasses for New Eyes' clients in the United States will receive $24 for single vision lenses, $43 for bifocal lenses, and $20 for frames. These revised rates on reflected on vouchers issued beginning in late October 2006.

New Eyes appreciates that many optical dispensers have been helping our clients at substantially discounted rates. We hope that this increase in reimbursement rates will renew opticians' commitment to work with New Eyes to oprovide eyeglasses to Americans who are unable to afford the eyeglasses they need to see the chalkboard, read a medicine label, or work to support a family.

Most Wal-Mart Vision Centers are now providing eyeglasses to New Eyes' clients. In April 2005, New Eyes entered into an agreement with the more than 2,000 corporate-owned Wal-Mart Vision Centers to provide a basic pair of eyeglasses to clients who have received a New Eyes voucher.

Because this is a relatively new program, many Wal-Mart Vision Centers are still unsure of the procedures to follow to receive reimbursement. If your client is having difficulty obtaining his or her eyeglasses at a Wal-Mart store, please contact New Eyes at 973-376-4903.

In conjunction with the creation of our new Website, New Eyes for the Needy has revised the Individual Application Form (PDF) and the Agency Application Form (PDF). The revised forms detail our program's eligibility criteria and provide additional opportunity to outline the client's specific financial circumstances and need for eyeglasses.