World Sight Day 2018 – Events from Alumna Jacquelyn O’Banion in Atlanta GA, USA
November 2, 2018
Top: Patients waiting to be screened. We had 200-300 patient arrive for a 4 hour screening event in rural Georgia World Sight Day Screening – We partnered with a local Lions Club in Cordele, a rural part of Georgia with limited access to healthcare, to hold a screening event. We screened 200-300 people of which 50% had significant refractive error and were able to select frames and have glasses made by one of our partners Lions Lighthouse. We also had a fundus camera which allowed us to screen participants for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. It was a wonderful event that was very graciously received by the local population. Additionally, each Georgia 2020 member had tables educating the public on different blinding diseases.

Screening participants by using the Peek Acuity App

Refractions given on site from equip donated.

         

Using fundus photography we were able to screen all those at risk for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

With Georgia 2020 partner, Lions Lighthouse, participants with refractive error were able to select frames and glasses will be made with their refraction and mailed to the participant at no cost.

          World Sight Day Speaking Event – With a generous donation by Allergan we were able to bring world renowned actor/singer/activist Tom Sullivan to speak. Mr. Sullivan was born premature and has been blind since infancy due to retinopathy of prematurity. However, this has not stopped him from having an extremely successful career as an actor and singer. He spoke to a group of over 70 participants on “Turning Disability into Ability” as well as ways we s eye care providers and activists can improve eye care through our research, clinics and outreaches. He was incredibly inspiring and impacted all those in attendance.

Speaking event with Tom Sullivan

Georgia 2020 Members: Emory Eye Center, Prevent Blindness Georgia, Center for the Visually Impaired, Lions Lighthouse, Atlanta Lions Club, Georgia Society of Ophthalmology, Georgia Optometric Association, Georgia Eye Bank, Alcon, Emory School of Medicine Ophthalmology Interest Group Jacquelyn O’Banion, MSc Public Health for Eye Care Alumna 2014/15