Vision Clinic Provided 386 Fort Dodge Area Community Members with Free Eye Exams and Glasses
Posted on June 26, 2025 in Foundation
On June 19-20, Delta Dental of Iowa and its Foundation in partnership with OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, Community Health Center of Fort Dodge and Prevent Blindness Iowa offered free comprehensive eye exams to 386 Fort Dodge area children and adults, of which 348 were provided with no-cost eye glasses many of which were manufactured the same day, onsite. Twenty-seven patients were referred to vision specialists for additional follow-up care.
This was the fifth year Delta Dental has offered the free vision clinic in Iowa and the first year held in Fort Dodge at Butler Elementary School. Working with nearly 80 volunteers engaged including optometrists, opticians, and other skilled and general volunteers, the clinic addressed unresolved vision needs for adults and children. The clinic leveraged the OneSight clinic model and manufacturing process so many individuals needing eyeglasses were able to receive them the same day.
According to OneSight, more than 12 million adults in the United States aged 40 and older suffer from vision impairment. Lack of access to vision care is comprised of three main gaps: lack of affordability, lack of awareness, and lack of physical access.
“We’re honored to bring this free vision clinic to Fort Dodge for the first time, helping to remove barriers to essential eye care,” said April Schmaltz, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa. “These vision clinics reflect our commitment to improving the health and lives of Iowans. We know we’re not only helping someone to see more clearly, but we’re helping them to open a new world of possibilities. We’re grateful to our volunteers and partners whose generosity and hard work made this event possible for hundreds of north central Iowa residents.”
“This clinic was simply amazing and through this collaboration, we were able to provide an essential service for members of our community. Many of those served were accessing vision care for the very first time or for the first time in many years,” said Regina Suhrbier, outreach coordinator for Community Health Center of Fort Dodge. “Seeing so many in high need and knowing they have now received care is very fulfilling and a reminder of why our community health center is here to provide access to such critical health services, including vision care.”
The Community Health Center of Fort Dodge recently began providing vision care services and community members are encouraged to utilize these services for future vision care needs: https://www.chcfd.com/optical/ or call 515-576-6500.
The vision clinic hosted in partnership with the Community Health Center of Fort Dodge is an example of how Delta Dental is investing in local communities to improve lives through expanded access to dental, vision and overall health care.
For more information, visit deltadentalia.com/visionclinic.