An Atlanta-area senior is fitted for a free pair of glasses
More than 500 low-income, uninsured and underinsured Atlanta seniors received free health services, including comprehensive eye exams, diabetes screenings and high blood pressure screenings on August 5-6 as part of the VSP Vision Care Eye on Diabetes campaign. This was the largest event to date.
VSP partnered with the Georgia Optometric Association, Medicare Diabetes Screening Project (MDSP) and Atlanta Regional Commission to bring two mobile eye clinics, Eyenstein and Seezar, outfitted with state-of-the-art exam rooms, dispensaries and a finishing lab to provide services to those who have or are at risk for diabetes. The campaign focus is to increase awareness and understanding of the connection between eyecare and a person’s general health.
Unique to this event, all qualified Medicare beneficiaries with prediabetes were enrolled in a 16-session lifestyle intervention class that has proven to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. A program provided through MDSP, the enrollees will have access to a trained lifestyle coach to help them change their habits. Enrollees will learn about healthier eating, simple ways to increase physical activity and other changes that lead to a healthier lifestyle.
“The goal of the VSP Eye on Diabetes campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of eyecare and the role of optometry in detecting and managing chronic diseases, such as diabetes,” said Cheryl Johnson, Vice President of Provider Services, VSP Vision Care. “Partnering with these great local organizations is critical to helping a community seek greater knowledge and understanding of how to incorporate positive preventative care behaviors, such as annual eye exams, into their lives.”
Also, in recognition of the campaign, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal proclaimed August 5-6 “Eye on Diabetes Days in Georgia!” It is estimated that 707,000 Georgia residents have been diagnosed with diabetes, with more than 51,000 newly diagnosed cases of adult diabetes every year.
The Eye on Diabetes campaign will finish this year’s tour in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in September.
Check out some great pictures from the Eye on Diabetes Atlanta event here.
