HIS Vision, a project of local nonprofit Humbly I Serve in Lynchburg, VA, has launched an educational initiative to aid local educators, nurses and parents in identifying possible symptoms of visual deficiencies among children before the diagnosing process of a learning disability. A recent study shows that 25 percent of school-aged children may have a vision problem that may affect learning.
Last year HIS Vision established their local program, Sponsor Sight and is currently helping to provide children and single parents in need with an eye exam and a pair of prescription glasses. The program is a free resource for those who qualify. The application is available on the HIS Vision website.
The Sponsor Sight Program also sets up free eye screenings with local organizations like Miriam’s House, the Jubilee Center, Clothes for Kids Outreach and local schools amounting up to 14 screenings this year.
The onsite screenings are performed by 12 volunteers trained by Daniela Ortega, Optometrist and led by Volunteer Coordinator, Sara Golden. HIS Vision offers these screenings at no cost and has provided over 527 screenings for adults and children this fall. In those screenings, 115 individuals needed further eye
care assistance. The Sponsor Sight applications are available at screenings and on completion are processed for approval.
The HIS Vision Project is a branch of local nonprofit Humbly I Serve, founded by licensed optician and local business owner, Melinda Wilson. HIS Vision provides eye care locally through their Sponsor Sight Program and also fights poverty by providing sight internationally. The HIS Vision and Medical Center was opened May 2014, and is currently staffed by five local Haitians.