Vision Screening Schedule
Vision Screenings at County Health Clinics
Through a collaborative effort with the Florida Department of Health, Prevent Blindness Florida provides a “Healthy Vision Corner” in Hillsborough, Manatee, Orange, Sarasota and Pinellas County Health Department Clinics. Screenings for adults and children and vision education information is available to community members. Prevent Blindness Florida works with its partners to assist people who need vision care. Free eye exams and glasses are available for those who qualify.
Disadvantaged Children’s Vision Screenings
Prevent Blindness Florida offers children in transient situations vision education and screenings. Vision screenings are designed to support the work of the ophthalmologists and optometrists by referring children with potential vision problems for diagnosis and treatment. Free eye exams and glasses are available for those who qualify.
Healthy Eye Seminars
PBF provides education to adults on prevention, treatment and research of eye diseases associated with aging. These include age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. Healthy vision education is important in preserving vision because early detection is vital to save sight. Information is shared through the website, seminars, and brochures.
Children's eye safety education
Prevent Blindness offers an eye health and safety curriculum geared towards children from pre-kindergarten through second grade. Children are encouraged to practice eye safety. The education reviews eye safety methods and the need for sunglasses and special glasses for play activities such as sports or paintball. Keeping the eyes safe from sand, chemicals, scissors, etc. are taught in the 45 minute class.
Pediatrician Medical Staff Vision Program
This community program provides resources and training to pediatric physicians’ office staffs on a unique screening tool, thus ensuring children receive appropriate vision referrals. Children also benefit greatly from learning the importance of eye safety associated with UV rays. Children should not be exposed to sunlight without eye glass protection. The need to educate children and their parents on the importance of sunglasses and safety glasses is tremendous in the community.
Diabetic Retinopathy Education
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels inside the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. In some people with diabetic retinopathy, serious damage to the eye can occur when abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. The key to preserving vision is early detection, and the seminars on this topic educate the diabetic community on this serious eye disease.
To learn more about Prevent Blindness Florida's programs and services, contact us at 813/874-2020, 800/817-3595 or contact Kitty Pelster Rawson at krawson@preventblindnessfl.org.
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