Advancing
Eye Care Access
in Every Community
The American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Initiative aims to promote an understanding of the eye care needs of patients served by U.S. FQHCs, advance solutions to expand access to care in FQHCs, and promote optimal eye health for all Americans.
A central priority of our efforts is connecting eligible FQHC patients with volunteer ophthalmologists in local communities through collaboration with the Academy's public health service program, EyeCare America®.
What Are Federally Qualified Health Centers?
FQHCs are non-profit clinics providing comprehensive primary care to medically underserved communities.
FQHCs are Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Health Center Program award recipients and Health Center Program lookalikes that are certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Current Sponsors
Knights Templar
Eye Foundation
Thanks to a generous gift from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation®, the Academy is expanding EyeCare America® to serve uninsured and underinsured adults ages 18 and older, and strengthening pilot partnerships with the FQHCs that provide care to underserved communities.