Vision clinic helps underserved communities see more clearly
Our eyes are considered one of the body’s most important sensory organs, providing a window to the world around us. Regular, routine eye care may be an important way to help protect your eyesight, detect disease sooner and promote overall well-being.
Unfortunately, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 93 million U.S. adults are at high risk for vision loss – and of that, only half have gone to the eye doctor in the past year. People in underserved areas are likely at even greater risk due to lack of access to vision care.
To help address this crucial issue and in honor of World Sight Day in October, UnitedHealthcare collaborated with the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation and Branches to bring vision care services to patients of all ages in Florida City, Florida.
The free, two-day vision clinic was held on Oct. 11-12, and helped low-income and uninsured families in rural communities receive vision care, helping to remove barriers for those in need of comprehensive eye exams and prescription glasses. More than 127 people received a free comprehensive eye exam and 111 glasses were provided in connection to the event.
“People living in rural areas in our state don’t always have access to important routine vision care,” said Dr. Premilla Banwait, vice president of clinical programs, UnitedHealthcare Vision. “We know these eye exams can often help identify other health issues not usually associated with the eyes, making routine vision care crucial to overall wellness.”
A comprehensive eye exam is about much more than just getting a prescription for glasses and can play an important role in bettering your overall health.
During an eye exam, doctors can look in the back of your eye to help diagnosis conditions like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, which, if not caught early, could potentially cause blindness. Comprehensive eye exams can also help uncover other health conditions, including diabetes and some types of cancer.
