Ophthalmologists donate to free eye care clinic

February 4, 2010

Two eye health specialists in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, recently provided donations to a free clinic, allowing the facility to offer eye exams to individuals in need.

When eye doctor Jeff Bourgerie was unable to meet the growing demand of people needing free eye care, he donated three pieces of equipment to the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic (CVFC), according to the Eau Claire ABC affiliate.

Another ophthalmologist, Aveen Banich, will also be donating her services and expertise to the clinic, which plans to provide screening for diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and other eye diseases, as well as eyeglasses for those who need them.

The clinic is grateful for the donations the doctors have given. The news source reports that Brent Hafele, the executive director, did not think this kind of operation would be possible.

"There is no way we would have been able to afford this equipment on our own, so these donations are tremendous," he told the news provider.

According to the American Optometric Association, individuals should get their eyes examined every two years until the age of forty, at which point they should start having checkups on a yearly basis.