Inova Lions Eye Clinic is Northern Virginia's only free clinic offering advanced eye care and surgery to uninsured adults. For over 50 years, we’ve been a vital community resource, providing essential medical and surgical eye care to those with incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level.
At the Inova Lions Eye Clinic, we offer free, comprehensive ophthalmic care to uninsured adults in Northern Virginia. To access our services, you must first be referred by one of the following community partners:
Once referred, patients can receive medical, laser and surgical treatments for a variety of eye conditions.
The Inova Lions Eye Clinic provides comprehensive ophthalmic care through a team of dedicated, board-certified ophthalmologists, including a part-time medical director, volunteer specialists, and resident physicians from MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, supported by a skilled clinical team, including bilingual staff and ophthalmic technicians.
Tofik M. Ali, MD
Medical Director, Inova Lions Eye Clinic
When it's time to get your eyes checked, make sure you’re seeing the right specialist.
Both professionals play vital roles in your eye care journey, and understanding their different functions ensures you receive the right care.
Here's a breakdown of the differences between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist.
The difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist lies in their level of medical training and expertise. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of eye diseases, and they are also trained to perform surgery for various eye conditions. On the other hand, optometrists primarily focus on vision correction, diagnosing common eye health issues, and prescribing corrective lenses. Both professionals play a crucial role in ensuring that patients receive the appropriate care for their eye health needs.
As part of Inova's nonprofit mission, we partner with regional organizations to ensure all community members have access to high-quality care. Your generous donations help provide free eye care, including medical, laser, and surgical treatments, to uninsured adults in Northern Virginia. Thank you for supporting our clinic and making a lasting impact on those in need.
