Photo/Video Opportunity
WHAT
Albina Head Start Children will receive free eyeglasses after participating in the Elks Preschool Vision Screening Program offered by the Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University.
WHERE
Highland Head Start, 7600 NE Glisan St. Portland, OR 97213
WHEN
Thursday April 12th at 9:00 a.m.
VISUALS
Media members are invited to witness the scene as kids receive their new glasses for the first time. Media members will see the kids have the glasses fitted and have a chance to talk to kids whose vision is about to become clearer.
DETAILS
Recently, doctors and staff from the Elks Children's Eye Clinic at the Casey Eye Institute performed free eye exams for children in the Albina Head Start program. As a result, a total of 25 kids were found to need eyeglasses. On April 12th, the Oregon State Elks are donating special "kid-proof" glasses to the students. The eyeglasses are made with MiraFlex frames that are built to be flexible, safe and indestructible. The frames also come with a headband to prevent accidents while they run and play. In addition to the Elks, two community partners stepped in to help make the glasses available to the kids: MiraFlex donated the flexible frames and Myoptic Optical shop filled the prescriptions at cost.
BACKGROUND
Fifteen percent of all children are at risk of developing amblyopia (or lazy eye) between the ages of three and five. This condition requires treatment before the age of seven to avoid long-term damage. If left untreated, it may lead to a lifetime of unnecessary vision impairment and possibly blindness. While some school districts offer vision-screening programs for school age children, formal screening should begin at age three. Good vision is essential for proper physical development and educational progress. Early detection provides the best opportunity for effective, inexpensive treatment.
Media Members
Park in the back parking lot of the Highland church. Take the steps down to the bottom door and ring the "Classroom A" doorbell.