Uninsured and underinsured children can tap into free eye screenings during the upcoming Give Kids Sight Day.

المواطنون العموميون للأطفال والشباب (PCCY), Wills Eye Hospital, Eagles Youth Partnership, Thomas Jefferson University, Visionworks and the First Hospital Foundation are teaming up to hold the event on Oct. 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wills Eye Hospital. Children 17 and under will be examined on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for this free event will take place at Alumni Hall at Thomas Jefferson Medical College located at 10th and Locust streets starting at 8:30 am.

“This is a day about delivering important eye care to kids that need it,” said Colleen McCauley, health director for PCCY.

“For most kids, 80 percent of what they are learning is through their eyes, so want to make sure that they are healthy and in the best shape they can possibly be. There are some kids in the Southeastern Pennsylvania area who don’t have insurance, so it’s a challenge to make sure that their eyes, let alone the rest of their body, are as healthy as they can be.”

Children from Philadelphia and the suburbs who have failed an eye screening at school or have not had their eyes examined in the last year are urged to attend.

“If we can successfully reach the underserved children who are struggling with their vision, we can dramatically enhance their chances for a better life and opportunities,” said Dr. Alex V. Levin, chief of pediatric ophthalmology and ocular genetics at Wills Eye Hospital.

After a comprehensive screening and exam from area eye doctors who are volunteering their time for the event, Visionworks will provide two free pairs of eyeglasses to each child that needs them. The eyeglasses will be delivered to the child’s school, two-to-three weeks after Sight Day.

“We’re proud to be part of Give Kids Sight Day again this year,” said Jim Eisen, president and CEO of HVHC Inc., and president of Visionworks.

“At Visionworks, we understand the importance of annual eye exams for children. Through Give Kids Sight Day, and our own Let’s Go See initiative, we are able to provide children with much-needed eye health information and eyewear.”

Parents are encouraged to bring their children early, since registration, screening and selecting glasses can take several hours. Several language interpreters will be on hand to assist families.

While waiting for eye care, families will be invited to participate in a health fair featuring blood pressure screenings and assistance with applying for health insurance.

According to McCauley, about 1,200 children attended last year’s Sight Day and about half of them needed eyeglasses. She said many parents whose children attended last year’s event were not aware that Medical Assistance or CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) covers vision care.

During the event, the Eagles Book Mobile will be parked on-site distributing free books to children and family entertainment will be provided by Eagles cheerleaders and the team mascot, Swoop.

“This is a very special day for our community because so many children benefit from the vital services offered at Give Kids Sight Day,” said Christina Weiss Lurie, president of Eagles Youth Partnership, Eagles Social Responsibility.

“Too many students who fail their state-mandated vision test do not receive the critical follow-up care that contributes to academic success and achievement inside the classroom. Give Kids Sight Day is intended to change that and on behalf of EYP, we are thankful to all the volunteers and partners who have dedicated their time, resources and services to this annual initiative.”

For information call (215) 563-5848 ext. 21 or visit www.childrenfirstpa.org/sightday.

The Philadelphia Tribune – October 20, 2015 – اقرأ المقال على الإنترنت