EYEGLASS PROGRAM
Introduction
The Eyeglass Program was developed in response to a
need for vision care identified in the countries visited as part of other
Rayjon programs.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the program is to
provide vision correction to those unable to afford or obtain either the
examination or the eyeglasses they need.
HOW IT WORKS
The program has two components
·
The collection
of used eyeglasses in Canada and their preparation for redistribution in the
developing countries.
·
The assembly of
a team of volunteers to conduct clinics in host countries; performing eye
examinations, distributing eyeglasses and making referrals for secondary care.
Collection and Preparation
Many used prescription glasses are
donated to us by individuals and collectors. These glasses are washed and
inspected for flaws by a group of volunteers during bi-monthly cleaning
sessions.
Volunteers read the lens
prescription of the glasses on a regular basis and workshops are organized to
sort and list prescriptions by computer inventory. The glasses are packed by
category into storage cartons ready for a trip to our host site.
Clinics
We actively seek hosts for our
clinics. Suggestions are encouraged from those with contacts in areas of need.
Service clubs are requested to send information about our Eyeglass Program to
club affiliates in countries of Latin America or the Caribbean.
We are always in need of Doctors of
Optometry to volunteer on our team.
A large eyeglass Team consists of 4
to 5 Doctors of Optometry supported by a staff of 12 to 15. All volunteers pay
their own expenses. During a typical 5- day clinic over 1000 eye examinations
are usually performed.
*Since 2000 a small group of
volunteers have conducted an annual clinic for the Community Development
Project in St Marc, Haiti
If there is not a local surgeon in
the host area, referrals are sent to the nearest qualified surgeon who will
agree to accept the referrals. Local
Lions and Rotary Clubs are sometimes agreeable to assisting with transportation
of patients and/or some expenses of the surgery.
Roles and activities of the Rayjon
team during a
typical clinic include:
Receptionists dispense the
patient’s form and number, fills in the patient’s name, address and occupation
on the form. They collect a fee as
determined by our hosts. Where possible
we encourage volunteers from the host country to perform this task.
Support Staff test patients for near and far vision and record
information regarding their general health and the eye problems they are
experiencing. They note whether the
patient is able to read and whether their vision clarity is essential to their job
The Autorefractor operator
performs a mechanical test to determine the prescription needed by the
patient.
Optometrists perform tests as they would in their Canadian office.
Dispensers select appropriate glasses as
prescribed by the optometrists
Fitters adjust the glasses to fit the patient, test their new
vision ability and give them some instructions on the use and care of their new
glasses.
FUNDING
Hosts historically have collected
the equivalent of $1-$1.50 per patient for examination and eyeglasses. No one
is turned away who needs an examination but does not have the fee. They are
encouraged to contribute whatever they can as it is felt it encourages the
patient to appreciate their eyeglasses; as well as providing much needed
funding for surgery. The minimal fee is determined and collected by our host.
Financial donations received in
Canada are tax receipted. They are used
to purchase test equipment and materials required for the clinics.
Rayjon team members are individually
responsible for their own transportation costs, meals and accommodation during
a trip.
Senior students from the School of
Optometry may have some of their cost paid by funds donated for that purpose.
PROGRESS TO DATE
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A donation of liquid tears
from Alcon Canada has allowed us to provide these to patients in need at our clinics.
OTHER PROJECTS
Hearing aids and glasses with hearing
aids are donated to the Canadian Hearing Society.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
1. Let your Ophthalmologist or Optometrist
know they would be welcomed to work at one of our clinics.
2. Participate in one of our very social
workshops preparing and packing glasses.
3. Become an Eyeglass Team member.
4. Help us upgrade our clinic equipment
with a charitable donation.
5. Sponsor a presentation.
6. Let us know of possible sponsors for our clinics
in developing nations.