DeltaVision and OneSight clinic offers eye care professionals an unforgettable opportunity

Posted on September 2, 2021 in Vision Health

Delta Dental of Iowa and DeltaVision, in partnership with Oakridge Neighborhood and Prevent Blindness Iowa, is bringing a volunteer-led, free, OneSight vision clinic to Des Moines. OneSight is an independent nonprofit organization that is “committed to eradicating the global vision crisis.” Services at the free clinic will include a comprehensive vision exam and glasses, if needed. The free clinic will be held September 30 through October 2.*

Skilled volunteers are especially needed Thursday evening (9/30) and on Saturday (10/2). The clinic will take place at Oakridge Neighborhood Center, located at 1401 Center Street in Des Moines. We need volunteers who are:

• Ophthalmologists
• Optometrists
• Opticians
• Medical/vision professionals and students

Did you know that one in seven people worldwide, or 1.1 billion people, can’t see clearly because they have no way to get an exam or pair of glasses? As an eye care professional, you’ve seen the difference in your patients’ lives when they are finally able to see the world. We’ve all heard stories of children struggling in school only to find out the child couldn’t see the teacher’s directions. You probably know adults who neglected regular eye appointments and missed the signs of advancing eye diseases like macular degeneration or glaucoma. 

OneSight research shows that work productivity increases by 35% when an individual can see clearly, increasing earning potential by 20%. In the United States, one in four students has an undiagnosed vision problem and experts estimate that 80% of learning is visual. Lack of access to vision care is comprised of three main gaps: lack of affordability, lack of awareness, and lack of physical access. Volunteering at the DeltaVision Free Vision Clinic this fall provides an opportunity to give the gift of sight to individuals who may be seeing an eye care professional for the very first time. 

Our goal is to serve 200 Iowans during the three-day clinic. OneSight brings vision exam equipment, glasses, and clinic management. There will be four stations serving adults, seniors, and some children. Volunteers can choose to do full and half day shifts over the three-day event. If you and your eye care team would like more information about the DeltaVision Free Vision Clinic that will be held at Oakridge Neighborhood, please visit deltadentalia.com/visionclinic. 

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Chad Overman at [email protected] or Amy O’Brien at [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you this fall!

*Patients must return to the clinic site to pick up eyeglasses.