AGS Cares is a public service program offering free glaucoma care to eligible patients in the United States. If you cannot afford needed glaucoma surgery, learn how AGS Cares works and whether or not you meet the program’s eligibility requirements.*

What is the AGS Cares program?

The AGS Cares program was founded in 2017 by the American Glaucoma Society Foundation (AGSF) to address the widespread need for surgical and postoperative care for glaucoma patients with limited financial resources in the U.S. The program enables eligible patients to connect with volunteer surgeons who want to give back to the community and is supported by corporate sponsors and private donors.

Donations in 2020 included financial support from the Allergan Foundation, and surgical supplies from New World Medical, Iridex, and Glaukos. Any physician who is either a member or provisional member of the American Glaucoma Society can apply on behalf of their patient at any time. Approval is quick, usually within a day.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To qualify for free treatment through the AGS Cares program, the following conditions must be met:

• An AGS member must confirm that you have glaucoma that requires incisional surgery to prevent future vision loss and blindness.
• You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and must either sign an affidavit stating that you have no health insurance or provide evidence that you cannot afford the surgery despite having health insurance.
• You may be asked to appear in public relations materials promoting the program.

What services are covered?

All AGS Cares surgeons are volunteers who perform the surgical procedure and provide 90 days of postoperative care at no cost to patients. The program provides your surgeon a maximum reimbursement of $1,500 per eye for:

• Devices, equipment, and medications related to the surgery, including anesthesia and surgery facility costs
• Required diagnostic tests in the preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative periods
• Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to address complications related to the surgery

Both of your eyes may be eligible for covered treatment in certain circumstances. 

What services are not covered?

No support will be provided for the following medical care:

• Preoperative care besides testing necessary for the surgery
• Care beyond the initial 90 days after the surgery
• Care unrelated to the covered glaucoma surgery
• Eyeglasses, eyeglass prescriptions, or refraction

If you have questions about service costs, speak with your surgeon before receiving care. 

*American Glaucoma Society. (n.d.) AGS CARES. https://www.americanglaucomasociety.net/patients/ags-cares