Savannah Johnson, 13, was playing basketball a month ago, until everything began to blur. On Thursday, she received a free pair of glasses as did her younger siblings, 5-year-old Messiah and 6-year-old Jailah, and the rest of her family.
The children were among nearly 240 Detroiters of all ages who received free glasses from the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation. Local doctors from Detroit and volunteers from across the nation worked to provide health services in the gymnasium.
“We’re here to provide a complete comprehensive eye exam and eyeglasses to those in need,” said Melissa Standridge, senior manager of partner programs at OneSight.
OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation partnered with KIPP Detroit to put on the community event. Behind the gymnasium, the community wellness fair offered an array of games, ice cream, and other activities while families were waiting.
A table of frames sat near the exit. There, children and adults could try on new looks. A lab traced in the gym office and cut the prescription lenses, fitting them into the frames the same day. Most residents were able to receive their free pair within a half hour..
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Sweet Jailah was able to pick out a pair of pink-and-blue frames alongside her siblings, mother and grandmother.
Detroiter Barbara Henry, 63, reposted the event on Facebook to raise awareness of the amazing opportunity:
“This awesome. I hope they do it again.”
The vision clinic was sponsored by EyeMed Vision Care and Health Alliance Plan. The collaboration works to expand eye care to people who might otherwise go without.
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