Recorded presentation

Jennifer B Staple, Unite For Sight, 31 Brookwood Dr., Newtown, CT 06470, (203) 426-4870, Jennifer.Staple@aya.yale.edu

This session addresses the importance of partnerships between nonprofit organizations and university students to improve access to eye health care for the uninsured and medically underserved. The integration of free vision screening and vision education programs in community centers helps to transform community norms regarding eye health, nutrition, and the importance of regular eye exams. This presentation is a multifaceted approach to community eye health education with a focus on the initiatives of Unite For Sight, a 501©3 nonprofit organization that tackles eye and health care issues. With chapters established at universities and medical schools throughout the world, Unite For Sight includes an international network of thousands of students working to build healthier communities through vision screenings, eye health promotion, and health education programs in soup kitchens, homeless shelters, schools and libraries. Unite For Sight volunteers engage in service-based learning and cultural and emotional literacy while improving access to health programs for medically underserved persons in the United States and abroad.

Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to
• understand barriers to vision care services for medically underserved children and adults;
• identify successful health intervention strategies in urban and rural community centers;
• understand the advantages of nonprofit-campus partnerships to improve health outcomes

Keywords: Underserved Populations, Vision Care

Related Web page: www.uniteforsight.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am Founder & National President of Unite For Sight, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. However, I have no financial interest/arrangement with the organization, as I am a volunteer, not an employee.

Recorded presentation