Media Advisory: February 9, 2019

Media Advisory for Saturday, February 9 at 10:00AM

Contact: Jenna Thompson, 916.444.7280, Jenna@paschalroth.com

Free Comprehensive Eye Exams and Glasses Available to Persons in Need in Clearlake Community

California Optometric Association to deliver eye care to displaced Camp Fire residents, people experiencing homelessness, low-income seniors, and veterans

Clearlake, CA – This Saturday, Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), the California Optometric Association, and VSP Global Eyes of Hope are partnering to provide no-cost eye exams and, if prescribed, glasses to Clearlake’s low-income seniors, people experiencing homelessness, veterans and recently displaced Camp Fire residents in need of eye care.

WHEN:           Saturday, February 9, 2019 from 8:30AM – 5:30PM

                      media interviews available from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 

WHERE:        Clearlake Senior Community Center - 3245 Bowers Avenue, Cleaklake CA 95422 (clinic will be located in parking lot of rear building)

VISUALS:     

• VSP network doctors providing eye exams and glasses for patients
• Low-income residents receiving eye care

In addition to helping members of the Clearlake community gain the clear vision they need to read, work and drive safely, the comprehensive eye examinations offered are an important window into overall health – including detecting signs of diabetes, hypertension, eye cancers and other diseases that can cause vision loss. Annual comprehensive eye exams are essential for seniors and diabetic patients in particular to preserve their vision, because catching these complications early on can save patients’ lives and sight. 

“Horrible health impacts like diabetes-related deaths, amputations and vision loss are completely avoidable,” said Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters). “I want our Clearlake community to know that these consequences are preventable and manageable through routine care. I’m proud to work with VSP Global Eyes of Hope and the California Optometric Association to help our most vulnerable people access exams that will foster greater awareness of prevention, lower their risk of serious complications and improve their overall health.”

“A comprehensive eye exam is often where diseases like diabetes are first detected, making eye care particularly crucial among the population of Californians who are underserved by our health system,” said Brian Park, O.D. “Optometrists are seeing more vision impairment, blindness and worse health outcomes for our patients as eye care is often put off until absolutely necessary. Optometrists are determined to change this deadly trend by diagnosing diseases early on to save our patients’ lives and sight.”

Appointments are open to the public and will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis until filled. Patients need to call (707) 994-3051 to make an appointment.

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