Free Screenings for Childhood Vision Disorders
Friends for Sight's vision screenings are an effective, low-cost method for assessing vision disorders such as Amblyopia, Strabismus, and refractive errors. These issues affect all aspects of young lives, negatively impacting a child's ability to learn, play, and develop.
Screenings for Adult Vision Disorders
Glaucoma is a prevalent and preventable eye disease that causes blindness primarily in adults. With a simple test to measure eye pressure, screening participants can be alerted to this potential problem. Each year, Friends for Sight staff and volunteers screen thousands of adults for visual acuity and eye pressure abnormalities.
Friends for Sight Vision Clinics
The Friends for Sight Vision Clinics are located in the Glendale-Mountain View Community Learning Center (1388 Navajo Steet); Liberty Community Learning Center (1085 South 300 East); and Parkview ES Vision Clinic (970 Emery Street (North side entrance)). The support these clinics provide are a tremendous asset to these vibrant, diverse, and often under-served communities.
Working with volunteer Optometrists and Ophthalmologists who provide free professional eye exams for those who may struggle with receiving vision exams for whatever reason, many students have been able to see an Eye Care Professional for the first time, and receive prescription glasses at no cost. Eleven percent of the children seen have been diagnosed with vision disorders that need advanced care. This is an incredible opportunity to be sure that the people in these Communities and surrounding areas are not only being screened, but also have an opportunity for eye exams, glasses and further care if needed. We know that vision care is a luxury for many in this area, and providing this level of support will prevent many cases of blindness.
If you do not have insurance, and your income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline we may be able to help you receive a free eye exam and/or glasses. We can also provide replacement glasses for those who have a valid prescription.
If you have insurance please contact our office for ways we can assist you. Most insurance medical plans provide eye exam coverage.
SightFest
Through an unprecedented collaboration between Friends for Sight, Essilor Vision Foundation and Utah Optometric Association, SightFest, a major initiative to help Utah children get the vision care that they desperately need to succeed both in and out of the classroom, is underway.
Working with local school districts, SightFest Outreach events will provide free eye exams and glasses to children whose families cannot afford vision care. Each day of service will allow up to 125 students in need to receive a free eye exam and glasses at a location close to school.
Eye Safety Education
Eye safety education has been a central goal of Friends for Sight since its inception. Every month we highlight aspect of Eye Safety or Eye Heath. We also have lesson plans for students of all ages to teach children about eye health and safety. Call us for more information (801) 524-2020.
Save Sight Donate $2
While renewing your Driver License or vehicle registration, please donate $2 to Friends for Sight. Your $2 donation will help Friends for Sight continue our important work providing vision screenings, eye exams and glasses to those in need throughout Utah.
Advocacy
Friends for Sight work closely with community partners to ensure that every Utahn has access to free vision screening and quality eye care when needed. Working with state agencies, school nurses, health care providers and community groups, we forge partnerships and continually focus on the importance of screenings to save sight and change lives.