Phillips Eye Institute seeks volunteers to provide vision screening in schools
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. 01/19/2009--While vision screening in schools was once a routine activity, budget cuts and competing demands on school nurses have eroded this important service. As a result, many vision issues in school-age children go undetected.
During 2008, Phillips Eye Institute provided free vision screening for more than 7,000 Minneapolis grade school children as part of its Early Youth Eyecare (EYE) Community Initiative. With more volunteers, the program can reach more children with this vital service.
"We are committed to improving eye health in our community," said David Orbuch, president of Phillips Eye Institute. "This is an easy way for people who want to give back to the community to have a direct impact in the life of a child."
Healthy vision is critical to the developing child -- nearly 80 percent of early learning takes place through vision. About 25 percent of children have vision problems that are significant enough to affect their performance in the classroom as well as in their daily lives.
The EYE program aims to remove roadblocks to learning by providing regular vision screenings and subsequent treatment services to Minneapolis school children in kindergarten, first and fifth grades. Follow-up services are provided for students who are identified as requiring further evaluation. If needed, EYE also coordinates and provides funding for vision care. This may include transportation, interpreter services and financial support for clinic visits, glasses and surgeries.
Volunteers are needed to perform and assist with the screenings held in the Minneapolis public schools. The EYE program provides monthly training sessions and offers flexible scheduling to meet the needs of all volunteers. Volunteer teams are also welcome. The EYE program can help coordinate the vision screenings as team-building and community service projects for employers and other organizations.
For more information, contact Melissa Graf,volunteer coordinator, at 612-775-8964.
About Phillips Eye Institute
Phillips Eye Institute is a nationally recognized specialty hospital dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and disorders. The Institute draws patients from the five-state region and has a medical staff of 170 ophthalmologists. The Institute is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics and other health care services. Phillips Eye Institute is found online at www.phillipseyeinstitute.com.
Phillips Eye Institute Foundation: Investing in sight for our community
The Phillips Eye Institute Foundation is a nonprofit organization operating solely for the purpose of furthering the mission and values of the Phillips Eye Institute. Donations to the Foundation are tax deductible. Please call 612-775-8758 for more about how to support our work. # # #
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