CCC&TI hosts Lions Vision Van for free screenings

For some, it was a chance to give back to the community. For others, it was an opportunity to receive free medical treatment. Either way, Friday's visit from the See the 21st Century Vision Van helped hundreds of people discover whether they suffer from eye diseases.

Mike Howard, state coordinator for the Vision Van, said many people lined the Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute parking lot to participate in the free vision screenings. They were tested for visual acuity, field vision and eye pressure. The participants also had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Ron Amaker, from the Wal-Mart Vision Center in Lenoir, or Dr. Brian Adair of Graystone Ophthalmology.

Howard said the goal of the program is to give back to the community and to educate the public. He said in many cases, the vision van has helped identify those who suffer from an eye disease or other ocular problems that may have gone unnoticed due to limited vision medical treatment.

“We have seen a tremendous response today,” Howard said. “We have been going non-stop and screening as many people as we can. Our goal is to help people understand that there are more reasons than glasses to go see an eye doctor. It also is important for adults, and children, to have their eyes tested.”

Barbara Harris, Health Sciences Department Chair at CCC&TI, said they screened 40 people in the first two hours alone. She said her ophthalmic medical assistant students have helped conduct the screenings since the program first came to the county in 2000, and decided this year to bring the van to the community college.

She said this provided a convenient way for faculty, staff and students, as well as community members to visit the vision van.

CCC&TI student Olivia Kincaid said she stopped by after she finished class. She said the program is a good way to see what is wrong if you don't have money to see a doctor. In fact, she said she was on her way to pick up her kids and planned to bring them for a check up later in the day.

“It is a very convenient way to do a check up,” Kincaid said. “I was on campus, and decided to take advantage of it.”

Harris said the vision van also is a great way for the ophthalmic students to receive hands-on experience as they prepare to graduate in May. The ophthalmic medical assistant program is a one-year program that places its graduates in offices, hospitals and surgery centers throughout the region.

“My students always have enjoyed participating in the vision van,” Harris said. “They are glad to help out, and say it is a great way to give back.”

Through the end of March, Howard said the Vision Van has conducted 1,104 screening dates throughout the state, and helped nearly 72,000 students. The program also has tested more than 64,000 students through school screenings. He said the vision van is a 40-foot customized bus that is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.

According to reports, the vision van exists today because a group of North Carolina Lions felt the need to improve services to the residents of North Carolina, as well as increase public awareness to the many beneficial services Lions Clubs provide.

According to members, it is a service project that enables the Lions to live the motto: “We Serve.”

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