Detroit Kids Have Eyes for School
Davis Vision, UAW, United Way 2-1-1Host Local Vision Fair
PLAINVIEW, NY (Nov. 10, 2008) – When community organizations, employers and health-care providers team up to improve children’s eyesight in order to boost their academic performance, there is cause for celebration. Such was the case on a single day recently when 220 children met with eye care professionals from Davis Vision for eye screenings, games, gifts and refreshments at the Detroit Vision Fair.
Davis Vision partnered with the United Auto Workers (UAW) and United Way 2-1-1 to sponsor the free screening clinic for school-age boys and girls from families who are uninsured or underinsured. Grandparents, moms and dads shepherded teenagers and younger children to testing stations in the Samaritan Center on Detroit’s east side.
Eighty-four percent of the children screened did not meet the minimum test standards. These youngsters—most of whom needed eyeglasses—were given Davis Vision vouchers for a free comprehensive eye health examination from a nearby SVS Vision Center, a local Davis Vision provider, and a complimentary pair of prescription eyeglasses from Davis Vision.
During the first 12 years of life, 80% of learning is visual. As a result, children with vision problems have a harder time succeeding in school. “Good vision is critical for reading books and seeing chalkboards and computer screens, as well as for writing, recognizing faces and catching a ball,” said Laura Dyer, Assistant Vice President, Strategic Events / Community Relations for Davis Vision. “With their new eyeglasses, these kids will be happier and more successful students.”
One such recipient was a girl whose mother had been laid off from her job and could not afford to pay for an eye examination or eyeglasses. Her grandmother suspected that the girl was not seeing properly, and was overjoyed to learn that the free screening would be offered. “I just couldn’t believe it,” she said. “Now my granddaughter is ready for school.”
After their eye examinations, the kids and their families stayed to enjoy the fair, which included free lunches, beverages, games, puzzles and coloring books provided by Davis Vision. A clown handed out balloons, while Paws, the Detroit Tigers mascot, delighted the youngsters with his antics. Most kids could not wait until they got outdoors before donning their new sunglasses from Davis Vision. “Mom, the floor looks funny,” remarked one amazed five-year-old through his dark lenses. Children eagerly opened the goodie bags that were filled with school supplies—including a calculator—given by the UAW to help them prepare for the school year.
Davis Vision has a long history of involvement in local community outreach programs. It regularly sponsors free vision screening clinics for children and has partnered with the Make-a-Wish Foundation, New York Children’s Vision Coalition, United Way, MercyFirst and other charities to make a difference in the community.
About Davis Vision
Davis Vision is part of the HVHC Inc. group of companies, which also includes Viva International Group and Eye Care Centers of America. One of the nation's premier managed vision care companies, Davis Vision has been providing comprehensive vision benefits for over 45 years, and currently serves over 55 million individuals nationwide through an extensive blended network of approximately 30,000 ophthalmologists and optometrists, in addition to many opticians and top national retail providers.
About the United Auto Workers
One of the nation’s largest and most diverse unions, the UAW has more than 1 million active and retired members, with active members working in manufacturing as well as public service, higher education, health care, gaming and other industries. UAW members are active supporters of the United Way, the March of Dimes, Habitat for Humanity, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and many other charitable and community activities.
About United Way 2-1-1
United Way 2-1-1 is a multi-lingual, comprehensive information and referral service available 24 hours per day, year round, sponsored by United Way of America. Its database contains more than 20,000 programs and services, such as after-school programs, senior care services, medical and prescription assistance, credit counseling, mortgage foreclosure assistance, and housing and utility resources. Individuals can also call 2-1-1 to be connected to volunteer opportunities in their area. For more information, visit www.211.org. For more information about United Way America, log on to www.unitedway.org
