Lions Club offers free glaucoma testing to Louisiana residents

February 19, 2010

Eye tests can be extremely important for detecting diseases that could be detrimental to eye health. However, a number of individuals cannot afford to get checked as often as they should because they either are uninsured or cannot afford it.

The Lions Club in Farmerville, Louisiana, is offering free eye care exams to watch for glaucoma, according to The Gazette. The glaucoma testing facility is a mobile 30-foot van that contains visual field, visual acuity and ocular eye pressure machines, which are crucial for detecting the eye disease.

The endeavor was made possible by the Louisiana Lions Club Foundation, and members believe that they are providing a service to individuals who would otherwise go untreated for their eye health.

"This is a service we can offer local residents for their eye care and we were fortunate to get it here," Fred Stewart, president of the Farmerville Lions Club, told the news source.

According to the American Optometric Association, glaucoma typically occurs in individuals over the age of 40, which is why it is a good idea to get an eye care exam every year once you reach that age.