LA MESA, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2020) —- February is Low Vision Awareness Month, reminding Americans there’s no better time to show your precious eyesight some love.
By 2030, the Braille Institute of America reports the number of Americans with visual impairments is projected to reach 7.2 million, with 5 million having low vision. Low vision is when even with glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery, people have difficulty seeing; making everyday tasks challenging.
The Grossmont Healthcare District encourages early intervention and regular vision checks.
“Our sight is a precious sense and one that requires care like any other aspect of our health,” said Michael Emerson, Grossmont Healthcare District board member and local registered dispensing optician.
The District recently awarded $58,000 for an optometrist and a retinal camera to Mountain Health & Community Services, a nonprofit community health center that provides primary care services to low-income and medically undeserved residents living in rural areas.
The grant expects to provide vision care for about 300 residents throughout the year.
In partnership with the Southern Indian Health Center, the program focuses on the root cause of vision decline, specifically type 2 diabetes and obesity.
“Folks living in rural areas deal with the added challenge of having fewer health resources within reach,” said Judith Shaplin, CEO of Mountain Health & Community Services. “We’re grateful for our partnership with Grossmont Healthcare District, and its mission to make quality vision care available in Campo and beyond.”
According to their website, Mountain Health Optometry Services include glasses prescriptions, diabetic eye exams, medical eye exams, cataract evaluations, and children’s eye exams. Its primary service site is based in Campo and offered via traveling clinic at its other locations.
Established in 1974, Mountain Health & Community Services currently operates federally qualified health centers in Alpine, Campos, Escondido, and San Diego, impacting many of the communities within the Grossmont Healthcare District.
To learn more about the vision health resources available, visit https://www.mtnhealth.org/ or call (619) 445-6200.
About Grossmont Healthcare District
The Grossmont Healthcare District is a public agency that supports health-related community programs and services in East County. The District formed in 1952 to build and operate Grossmont Hospital. It serves as landlord of Sharp Grossmont Hospital and owns the property and buildings on behalf of East County taxpayers. The district is governed by a five-member board of directors who represent more than 500,000 people residing within 750 square miles.
CONTACT:
Erica Salcuni
Grossmont Healthcare District
esalcuni@grossmonthealthcare.org
Phone: (619) 825-5017
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