SAN FRANCISCO--EyeCare America, the public-service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, has a new national health campaign underway called Seniors EyeCare Program, designed to remind the older Americans about the value of eyesight.

The promotional campaign runs through Sept. 19; it offers eye exams and up to one year of medical care at no out-of-pocket cost for seniors who do not have an ophthalmologist. Seniors or their families can call a 24-hour help line to see if they are eligible to receive a referral for an eye exam and care.

The seniors program provides a comprehensive eye exam and treatment for any disease detected in the initial visit for up to one year, at no out-of-pocket cost. Volunteer ophthalmologists have agreed to accept Medicare or other insurance as payment in full.

The Seniors EyeCare Program is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation.