McLean, VA – The Association of Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU) and Envolve will continue the collaboration started earlier this year and bring the “SeeMore” Vision Van, a traveling eye care vehicle, to Greater Portland Health in Portland, Maine. Free eye care services will be provided to the community September 23-24 at the Park Avenue location in Portland. ACU and Envolve are working together to bring the Vision Van to health care organizations caring for underserved communities nationwide.
Sixty-four percent of children five years and younger have never had a vision screening by a healthcare professional and one in four children who fail a vision screening do not receive follow-up care from an eye-care professional. Providers accompanying the Vision Van will conduct vision screenings and provide prescription eyewear for free to those in need.
“We are very proud to work with both Envolve and Greater Portland Health to provide services the Portland area community needs for uncorrected vision problems.” said Craig Kennedy, Executive Director of ACU. “Access to vision care services is a serious public health concern and Greater Portland Health provides comprehensive primary care services including vision care to more than 6,600 patients in the Portland area.”
Community members in need will have the chance to have their eyes checked for possible problems, receive a free screening, and free glasses, if needed. Patients may choose their frames on-site and receive their glasses by mail within three weeks. Flu shots will also be available for those who are interested.
The Vision Van will provide services at the Park Avenue location on a first-come, first-served basis:
- Friday, September 23 – Adults will receive care from 3-7 p.m.
- Saturday, September 24 – Children will receive care from 9 a.m. – noon
Parental consent is required for all children who need to see the eye doctor. If you wish to receive a flu shot during the event, please bring your insurance card, if available. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Jackson, CQO, at ejackson@greaterportlandhealth.org.
ACU is also accepting applications from organizations interested in having the Vision Van come to their community in 2017. If you would like to have the Vision Van visit your center, please complete the online interest form on the ACU website. For more information, please contact Karen Wilson at kwilson@clinicians.org.
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The Association of Clinicians for the Underserved is a transdisciplinary membership organization of clinicians, advocates, and healthcare organizations that provide health care for the underserved. Our programs include professional education, clinical tools, advocacy, patient education, training and technical assistance. For more information, please visit our website at www.clinicians.org.
Greater Portland Health’s mission is to provide high-quality patient-centered healthcare that is accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive. Greater Portland Health ensures that patients receive comprehensive care and services to meet all their needs, and provides. a safe, welcoming environment for all individuals and families.
Greater Portland Health has convenient locations in Portland at 180 Park Avenue, 63 Preble Street, 59 Riverton Drive, and 211 Cumberland Avenue; and in South Portland at 100 Brick Hill Avenue. It is a Federally Qualified Health Center, funded by the Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration. Visit http://www.greaterportlandhealth.org to learn more.
Envolve, Inc.™ is a family of health solutions, working together to make healthcare simpler, more effective and more accessible for everyone. As an agent for change in healthcare, Envolve is committed to transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. Envolve unifies medical management, care management and coordination, specialty pharmacy, PBM, vision, dental, behavioral health management, life and health/wellness management, empowerment and education services, telehealth services, 24/7 nurse advice services, and data, analytics and IT solutions. For more information, please visit our website www.envolvehealth.com or contact us today at info@envolvehealth.com.
