Bringing the Benefit of Good Vision to Children
The OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation used their mobile eye clinic to bring much needed vision care to children in the Warm Springs and Madras areas of Central Oregon.
OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation - Warm Springs, OR
The vision of the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation is “A world where everyone can see more, be more, and experience the joy of good vision”. The impact of untreated vision impairment on children is particularly dire, even in the United States with its relative abundance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vision impairment is one of the most prevalent disabling conditions among children in the US. Over 12 million children in the US have a vision problem significant enough to impact their ability to learn. Many of these never receive care due to economic factors. Up to 85% of US students in disadvantaged areas have untreated vision problems. Children in this group are three times more likely to fall behind in class, have higher rates of behavioral problems, and are often misdiagnosed with developmental disorders.
Through the support of JTMF, the mobile vision clinic team came to the Warm Springs and Madras areas for a 3-day clinic. Housed in a large van similar to a mobile blood donation bank, the vision van includes exam lanes, and equipment to make the prescription lenses. Each patient progresses through several assessment stages, including visual acuity, perception, color blindness tests, eye pressure check, eye measurement, dilation, interior eye health check, and refraction. Following a vision exam onboard with a licensed eye doctor, patients are able to choose a pair of eyeglass frames as their custom lenses are being crafted. Thanks to the onboard lab, most patients leave with their new prescription glasses the same day – a long- term solution to their vision impairment in hand. All of these services are provided entirely free to patients.
In total 293 patients were seen, and 212 glasses were made on site. Both kids and adults came away with better vision. You know you’re doing a good thing when at the end of the day as we were wrapping up, a child came running over from the playground and yelled “thanks for the glasses!”
