Free Eye Camp: Clearwater, Florida
The Sathya Sai Baba Center of Clearwater, in collaboration with St. Petersburg Free Clinic, the Pinellas County Health Department, the Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation and District 35-I Lions Club of St. Petersburg, organized a free Eye Camp on Saturday, 22 September 2018, at the Pinellas County Health Department, St. Petersburg, Florida.
Medical volunteers for the camp included four ophthalmologists, three optometrists, six eye technicians, one medical doctor, five Lions Club members and 15 nurses. In addition, there were 43 non-medical volunteers to assist with the smooth running of the camp.
The Camp commenced at 7:30 A.M. Patients were brought in, had their blood sugars and blood pressures checked, and were administered a vision test. After the vision test, they were offered breakfast. Each patient was then assigned a volunteer, who accompanied them to the various stations to ensure they received individualized services as needed. Patients had several evaluations: Auto Refraction and Refraction by the optometrists, Eye Pressure measurement and Eye Dilation. A Fundoscopic Eye examination was also performed as needed based on their evaluation.
Patients were also able to meet with representatives from Lions Club to register for a free prescription glasses voucher. A total of 59 patients were registered to receive prescription glasses. Arrangements were made for the patients to collect their glasses within two weeks at the Lions Club. Finally, patient records were scanned, and the original copy was given to the patients. At the end of the visit, the patients were provided with boxed hot lunches. A total of 104 patients were provided free Eye Care. Some of the patients were interviewed and they expressed their gratitude for the loving service they received.