Community Center holds free vision screening

NORTHEAST — Tri-State Prevent Blindness held a free vision screening Feb. 21 for residents, administering tests for glaucoma, cataracts and other eye diseases.

According to the organization’s Web site, www.preventblindness.org, the organization, which was founded in 1908, operates programs for children in communities of high poverty, lower income adults, and employees in targeted industry.

Hyla Crane, program director with the organization, said one of its main goals is to make adults 40 years and over aware of the dangers of eye disease.

"Very frequently people are only concerned with whether or not they can see near or far," Crane said. "They don’t think about glaucoma or other diseases that they can diagnose as early as possible. Something like glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness. If it’s diagnosed early, it’s possible that you can put drops in your eyes and save your sight."

Crane said the group uses two machines in their exams: An Optec vision screener that scans eyes for acuity, distance, distance vision and near vision, and a Humphrey FDT machine that scans eyes for peripheral vision, which can indicate glaucoma.

"We also do risk assessments, where a person lists their family history which can determine risks in certain areas," Crane said. "We also visited preschools in the community today as well."

She said the organization screened more than 1,700 adults last year through the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area. As part of their kindergarten program, the organization screened over 14,000 children between 3 and 5 years old.

"I think we should all recognize the benefits of preventative health, whether it would be eating better, exercising, or taking advantage of whatever tests are available," she said. "We are not scheduled to come back to this area right now, but we hope to be back soon."