The School of Optometry Community Eye Care program has been honored by the Jefferson County Department of Health for its significant contributions to the health and well-being of residents. 

Each week, supervised Optometry students rotate among the health centers in Bessemer, Ensley and northern Birmingham and provide vision screenings and comprehensive eye-care services. More than 600 people at the county's three health centers received visual acuity tests, eyeglass prescriptions and testing for glaucoma and other conditions.

The program also provided services for the United Cerebral Palsy Center of Greater Birmingham, health fairs and various preschools, elementary and middle schools throughout Jefferson County.

"Low vision and blindness affects thousands of Alabamians, and age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy are among the most common impairments," said CEC program manager Jennifer Banks. "The earlier optometrists catch these conditions, the better the treatment options."