Charity Focuses On Denver By Offering Free Eye Care
By Kathy Walsh
DENVER (CBS4) - Denver residents in need have the chance to get in focus this week.
A mobile clinic is parked in the city offering free eye care. The vision care on wheels can be found at the Federico F. Pena Southwest Family Health Center at 1339 S. Federal Boulevard. Doctors can examine patients in the 45-foot long van and there is even a lab inside to make glasses.
On Monday, the free exams were held inside the Pena Health Center. Monday was the first time in more than two years that Alicia Madrigal has had her eyes examined. She doesn't have vision insurance and she can't afford new glasses so she qualifies for the no cost care.
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Denver is one of 10 U.S. cities where volunteers are helping people see. The Eyes of Hope van is operated by VSP Vision Care and parked in town through Thursday.
"We are hoping to see about 1,000 patients within this 4-day period," said Lori Fanning, Mobile Clinics Operations Manager.
They'll do it in partnership with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and with the help of local optometrists like Dr. Gary Holtzman of Lakewood. On Monday, Holtzman was focused on examining people who may otherwise fall through the cracks.
"I had several first-time patients that had never had an eye exam and never had glasses, so it was good to get them to be able to see," said Holtzman.
Madrigal's prescription is still okay, but she'll get a new pair of glasses, compliments of the charity. The stop in Denver is a chance for people in need to finally see clearly.
Eyes of Hope has already helped a million people. The goal is a million more by 2020.
The exams in Denver are first come, first served from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Thursday. If you can't be seen in that time, you can get a certificate to go to a local eye doctor for a free exam.
LINK: Eyes Of Hope | Mobile Eye Care Clinics
Kathy Walsh is CBS4's Weekend Anchor and Health Specialist. She has been with CBS4 for more than 30 years. She is always open to story ideas. Follow Kathy on Twitter @WalshCBS4.