UAB Community Eye Care provides the gift of sight this holiday season

Annual Gift of Sight events provide eye exams and glasses for the uninsured in need.

gift of sightUAB Eye Care's 3rd annual Gift of Sight event will take place Dec. 2-5.Community Eye Care, the outreach program of University of Alabama at Birmingham Eye Care, is partnering with the Jefferson County Department of Health to give the “Gift of Sight” to those in need this holiday season,

The program, established in 2013, provides comprehensive eye exams and glasses for uninsured patients.

This year, more than 300 patients have qualified to receive complementary eye care Dec. 2-4 at the Western Health Clinic in Midfield, Alabama, and Dec. 5 at UAB School of Optometry. Eyeglasses will be provided to patients who need them, thanks to the generous support of the program’s partners, VSP, Remote Area Medical, National Vision and Allergan.

Each patient applied through the Jefferson County Health Department and was vetted for treatment based on a set of requirements set by the program.

“While our outreach efforts take place year-round through our Community Eye Care program, the Gift of Sight is an opportunity that allows our entire UAB School of Optometry family to join together during the season of giving and make a life-changing impact on those here in our own community,” said UAB School of Optometry Dean Kelly Nichols, O.D., MPH, Ph.D.

Community Eye Care is accepting donations of new scarves, hats and gloves, which will be distributed to those in need during the “Gift of Sight” event. Donations can be dropped off at UAB School of Optometry, 1716 University Blvd.

To inquire about making a donation, call UAB Eye Care at 205-975-2020.