Media/Photo Alert
Clarke St. School Kids to Get Free Vision Screening & Glasses Fri April 8
WHAT:
Nearly 45 youngsters in one of Milwaukee’s poorest neighborhoods will be the first to get FREE vision screening, and if needed, eyeglasses through a much needed program provided by Sophia’s Heart and Wisconsin Vision. Numerous studies show the poorer the school population, the more children need glasses.
WHEN and WHERE:
Friday, April 8, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Clarke Street School, 2816 Clarke Street, Milwaukee
WHY:
According to the Journal of School Health, an estimated 1 in 5 American children has a vision problem. Children living in poor urban environments have twice the normal rate of vision problems.
· Left undetected and uncorrected, vision problems can interfere with reading and other visual skills that are critical to academic success (The Abell Foundation)
· Uncorrected vision problems can worsen over time and result in permanent vision loss
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
· The Clear Days Ahead program is first medical relief program for Sophia’s Heart, the non-profit organization founded by 19/RCA Nashville Recording Artist and former American Idol finalist Danny Gokey in memory of his late wife Sophia.
· Milwaukee Teachers Education Association screens and refers children eligible for the free exams and eyewear.
· Wisconsin Vision optometrists provide free screening and the optical company donates the needed lenses, frames and fabrications valued at more than $200 per pair. Brands include Disney and Power Rangers.
· The online auction of eyeglasses worn by Danny Gokey during his American Idol run and public events has helped raise funds to support the optometrists’ time. More than 50 bids were received and nearly $1100 was raised from the auction of the first two pair of Gokey glasses during March. Two pairs of glasses will be auctioned monthly throughout the year.
VISUALS/INTERVIEWS:
· Two licensed Doctors of Optometry screening students, students picking out their frames, and three to four opticians fitting children for glasses. About 16 vision screenings will be provided per hour.
· Interviews available with educators, vision care professionals and students
CONTACT:
Pam Kassner, 414-510-1838, pam@superpear.com (Prior April 8)
DAY OF EVENT--Darren Horndasch, Wisconsin Vision CEO, on cell at 414-477-8624
Wisconsin Vision is the state’s largest independently-owned optical company.