It was a great joy to participate as a translator
in this year’s VSP Vision Care mobile eye exam clinic with Delta Lions Club on
June 25, where qualifying participants were able to get a free eye exam and
receive a free pair of glasses. This event was a tremendous opportunity for clients
in many of our programs here at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. The
Vision Van was parked alongside SFBFS’ Arata Brothers building on our main
campus in Oak Park, so shoppers from our Clothing program were able to drop by
the event after picking out new outfits. In addition, the students currently
enrolled in our Adult Education program and gardening classes were able cross
the street for services so they could get the glasses they needed to thrive in their studies.
VSP Vision Services and the Lions Club not only
provided a much needed service for our clients, but also created a warm and welcoming
environment, which was no easy feat given the misty, damp and drizzly weather
that day! Lions Club volunteers chatted with each other and with clients,
enjoying warm coffee and creating an upbeat atmosphere. Local residents enjoyed
the opportunity to socialize while they waited for their appointments. The team
of two optometrists saw 33 patients that day, and 123 additional clients were
given gift certificates to receive the same services with vision care providers
in the area.
VSP employees educated their patients and volunteers
on health issues that can be detected during a vision screening, and discussed
with them the basics of vision care. One VSP employee mentioned during the event
that patients generally don’t even realize how badly they needed glasses until
they put them on and notice the difference. We found this to be quite true when
the recipients came in to the lobby to pick up their glasses a few weeks later.
Please check out the happy faces in these photos, as clients show off their new
look!
Submitted by Brenda Wherry, Receptionist at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services
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