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By: Amy Charles | November 1, 2024
In collaboration with the Health Wagon, the University of Pikeville Kentucky-College of Optometry (KYCO) will host a free upcoming Ocular Disease Screening on Thursday, November 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Dr. Smiddy Clinic, Health Wagon, Wise, Va. Attendees will step inside the mobile unit where KYCO students can screen patients for eye diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and other eye diseases, and make physician referrals for further treatment.
The mobile unit, MobileEyes Appalachia, plays a vital role in decreasing vision loss by helping to diagnose and treat eye disease in underserved areas in the surrounding communities.
The previous screening clinics were conducted at various locations in Virginia, including the Sister Bernie Clinic in Clintwood, the Haysi Church of Christ, and the Wise County Court House.
“These clinics are named for the late Donnie Rife, a long-time Health Wagon volunteer and Lions Club member who advocated for eye care for the uninsured and underinsured,” said Health Wagon CEO Teresa Tyson, DNP. “If we find a problem, the Health Wagon will work with you to find the needed care.”
KYCO Head of Optometric Telemedicine and Emerging Technology Ian McWherter, O.D. FAAO, and KYCO Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs Cliff Caudill, O.D., FAAO, are responsible for bringing the mobile unit to remote areas of Virginia. They feel that prevention is the key to preserving vision, believing regular eye check-ups and early detection of eye conditions can save your eyesight and enhance your quality of life. The testing is quick and painless, and dilation of the eyes is not required with the advanced optometry equipment that is being utilized. Freebies such as a five-pack of eyeglass readers are available for those in need.
For more information, call The Health Wagon at (276) 328-8850.
About the Health Wagon:
The Health Wagon is a nurse practitioner-managed clinic that has existed since 1980 and provides free medical, dental, pharmacy and vision care services in Lee, Scott, Wise, Dickenson, Buchanan and Russell Counties and Norton City. For more information about The Health Wagon, please call 276-328-8850 or visit www.thehealthwagon.org. To donate to the Health Wagon, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, please visit: www.thehealthwagon.org/donate.