A nonprofit that provides free vision screenings and eye care is expanding into Pasco County. Preserve Vision Florida is bringing its services to families who may have trouble getting eye care. The organization is also raising awareness about children’s eye health and the amount of time young people spend looking at phones and tablets.
Taniesha Jones recently brought her two children to be screened at the Metropolitan Ministries West Pasco location, where her family is living. Jones also had her own vision tested. “We are new here to the area so I don’t know all my resources. So, for them to have it right on campus is amazing,” Jones said.
Preserve Vision Florida is bringing its free screening services to Pasco County for the first time. Program Director Miralee Berrios said a donation from the Holloway Foundation will fund the program for two years. The screenings are meant to reach people who might otherwise go without eye care, including those whose vision problems could affect their ability to work. “You don’t know how much this helps for the people that sometimes they can’t find even a job, and that’s the people that we really, really want to help because if they cannot see, how can they work?” Berrios said.
People whose screenings identify a possible vision problem can receive a certificate covering a free appointment with an eye doctor. Glasses are provided if needed. Children are a particular concern. Berrios said about one in three children screened by Preserve Vision Florida has a vision problem. “We have 2- and 3-year-olds having the vision of a 60-year-old person. A negative 5. A negative 6,” Berrios said, referring to the severity of some prescriptions.
Berrios said the organization is seeing more children with nearsightedness, also known as myopia. She believes the amount of time children spend looking at things up close, including phones and tablets, is a contributing factor.
Originally reported by ABC Action News
