An impressive team of 5 schedulers, 12 technicians, 3 opticians, 9 medical students, 7 residents, and 9 faculty from the UW Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and UW Health assisted a record number of patients at the 2023 World Sight Day Clinic.
The annual clinic was held at the UW Health University Station Eye Clinic on October 7, 2023. In all, 70 people received a full dilated eye exam. While many were sent by their primary physicians for diabetic screening, many others were referred for blurred or decreased vision. 45 pairs of glasses were provided at no charge.
The event is a partnership between the University of Wisconsin Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Combat Blindness International (CBI). Dr. Suresh Chandra started the event in 2007 as a retina faculty member in order to provide eye care services to underinsured or uninsured Dane County residents. His global non-profit, CBI, has helped fund the event from the start.
The clinic occurs every year as part of World Sight Day, an annual day of awareness, held in October, that focuses global attention on blindness and vision impairment. The goal is to have 10 million people pledge to have their eyes tested. In addition, the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and CBI host smaller free clinics throughout the year.
“We know how important regular eye checks are in ensuring the early detection and management of diseases that can lead to blindness,” said Anna Momont, MD. “I am grateful to Combat Blindness International and our volunteer faculty and staff for supporting this clinic, which is an important initiative to improve access to eyecare for everyone. I am humbled by the outpouring of support for this event. It is an impressive example of how, together, we can truly make a difference.”
“It was so much fun,” added Betty Exley, an optician. We ended up helping 44 patients in the optical center. It was definitely a feel-good day.”
