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Vision Quest

Frames for School of Optometry

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Jill Helton (left) with Greg Jackson, UABSO Alumni Association president-elect, and Melissa Hoercher, immediate past president

A donation of 7,000 eyeglass frames was recently made possible by the UAB School of Optometry (UABSO) Alumni Association. The frames will be used in the association’s efforts to assist the indigent population of Alabama.

Through its indigent fund, the school is able to assist patients on a sliding scale according to need by giving eye examinations and prescribing lenses to those who require them. That’s where the donated frames come in—to provide these patients with the glasses they need. HOYA Vision Care provides the lenses for the newly donated frames for patients with no means of paying, and the frames are utilized for all patients who have limited means of payment. The UABSO Alumni Association will donate a similar gift of frames next year in order to maintain this program.

“I have seen firsthand how valuable this program is through working with patients who have lost everything and those working hard to change their circumstances in life,” says Jill Helton, O.D., current UABSO Alumni Association president. “This is a great example of what can be achieved when the medical community and industry work together to serve humanity. It also sets a wonderful example for the students.”

To date, the School of Optometry’s indigent-care program has been successful and continues to attract an increase in applications for assistance. Currently experiencing 50 PAP (patient assistant program) visits per month, UAB Eye Care could serve even more patients in the future with additional funding for this program.

“The UABSO is fortunate to have such caring and dedicated alumni,” says John F. Amos, O.D., dean of the UABSO. “With an ever-increasing need for patient care for those uninsured and underinsured, this gift is critical in assisting the school in meeting its commitment to provide eye care to these patients.”

Maintaining the Momentum / Summer/Fall 2009