School provides free eye screenings for less-fortunate

March 31, 2011

Many people understand the importance of having good eye health, but may not have the funds necessary to receive the vision screenings and treatments necessary for maintaining good vision.

Middlesex Community College students are helping local residents in Connecticut by providing free eye care exams in an effort to bring treatment to those who would not normally be able to afford it, according to the Middletown Press.

This is the 18th year that the school has hosted the event. Last year, the news provider reports that the college's Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing program gave free eyeglasses to more than 75 patients. Through the school, volunteer eye doctors met with people who would otherwise not be able to get their vision checked due to economic restraints.

The news provider reports that during the clinic, doctors were able to treat eye diseases that may have affected the patients' vision tremendously had it not been caught.

"A lot of people are in need. People have no other means of getting eye care," Professor René "Skip" Rivard told the news provider. "They're obviously extremely appreciative of it."

The American Optometric Association reports that most eye conditions do not have any symptoms until it's too late, which is why it's important to have regular screenings.