Nearly 200 children and adults will receive free comprehensive eye exams Oct. 16-17 through a partnership between The Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital City Region, the Pennsylvania Optometric Association (POA) and VSP Eyes of Hope.
According to VSP, the annual event, which has served approximately 1,000 patients during the past five years, aims to expand access to vision care for individuals and families in need.
Volunteer optometrists will conduct exams on-site at The Salvation Army, with most patients expected to be school-aged children. Those who need corrective lenses will receive free prescription glasses through the program.
VSP says demand for the program is consistently high, with many patients returning annually and bringing family members and friends.
Optometrists Give Back to the Community
Lora Smith, OD, and Mario Saracino, OD, are among the Central Pennsylvania optometrists volunteering for the event alongside their staff instead.
“When we volunteer with VSP Eyes of Hope, it is one of those days that reminds us why we do what we do,” says Dr. Smith. “My team and I are grateful for the chance to support our neighbors and strengthen the community we’re proud to be part of.”
In addition to comprehensive eye exams, patients can ask questions and receive assistance with follow-up care, including obtaining prescription glasses.
“Serving children and adults who need care but may not always have access is a privilege,” says Dr. Smith.
Addressing Unmet Vision Care Needs
The event highlights the importance of comprehensive eye exams for children, particularly those with undetected vision conditions that may affect learning. Comprehensive eye exams by eye care professionals can identify vision problems that may affect a child’s education. According to VSP, an estimated one in five preschoolers entering kindergarten has an undetected vision condition.
Although school-based vision screenings can identify certain problems, research shows that exams performed by licensed eye care professionals are far more effective at identifying learning-related vision issues than school-based screenings. According to the American Optometric Association, an eye doctor can detect signs of more than 270 chronic conditions and diseases during a comprehensive eye exam.
For more than 25 years, VSP Eyes of Hope has partnered with eye doctors and community organizations to expand access to vision care. The program has provided no-cost eye care and eyewear to more than 4.5 million people in need.