Who We Are

THIS WEEK: Free Glaucoma Eye Screenings in Richmond

*** MEDIA ADVISORY ***

WHAT:
This Thursday, July 8 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., a mobile unit staffed by a doctor and professional medical personnel will set up in front of St. Paul's Episcopal Church (downtown by Capitol Square) to offer FREE glaucoma eye screenings, primarily for those who are homeless and working poor that attend the St. Paul's weekly lunch. This Friday, the unit will also be available at the Department of Human Services located on Hull Street. The medical personnel will work with area health providers to help those who have glaucoma receive treatment.

BACKGROUND:
Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, is an eye disorder that damages the optic nerve, the nerve that carries messages from the eye to the brain. It has no noticeable symptoms or warning signs. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness. On the other hand, it is well known that for the vast majority of individuals with glaucoma, the chances of preserving their sight is significantly improved if diagnosed and treated early enough. Glaucoma affects about 3 million Americans, many of whom are not aware that they have the disease.

Those at a high risk for glaucoma are: African-Americans over the age of 40, individuals of Hispanic origin, anyone over the age of 60, people with diabetes and/or high blood pressure, and people with a family history of glaucoma.

WHO:
The Mobile Eye Testing Station is funded by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control. The van is owned and operated by The Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation. www.glaucomacongress.org

WHEN/WHERE:

Thursday, July 8
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Emmaus Lunch Program at St. Paul's Episcopal Church
815 East Grace Street, Richmond
Downtown by Capitol Square

Friday, July 9
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Department of Human Services
4100 Hull Street, Richmond

Thursday, July 22
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Department of Human Services
4100 Hull Street, Richmond

Thursday, July 29
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Emmaus Lunch Program at St. Paul's/Homeward Summer Point-in-Time Count
* Volunteers and donated toiletries still needed for this lunch and service fair for those who are homeless. It coincides with Homeward's summer survey of the area's homeless population.

###

For Immediate Release: July 7, 2010

Contacts:
Kimberly Allen/St. Paul's Episcopal Church
(804) 545-5405; (804) 246-9384 [cell]

Ella Rosamont-Morgan/Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation
National Director for Screening Programs
(202) 674-6379 [cell]

 

THURSDAY: Summer Point-in-Time Count at St. Paul’s »

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