Optometric Assisting Students' Goal: Helping Others To See Clearly

With the help of the Lions Clubs and doctor volunteers, the clinic sees about 700 patients per year.

The 11 Polk County Lions Clubs distribute applications that are available in schools, at the Polk County Health Department, and through the Polk County Health Care Program.

According to instructor Mary Summers, many people associate the Lions Club with eyeglasses. Lions Club members call and interview the applicants and if they are approved, their information is forwarded to the optometric program, which will then schedule an appointment.Patients range in age from 2 years to 80 years old. "We usually help all children, no questions asked. We receive a lot of broken eyeglasses from other Polk County schools, so we repair and make new eyeglasses - whatever needs to be done." said Summers.

The Optometric Assisting students work with the patients from the beginning to end of service. Some of the doctors perform the eye exams in their offices, so one or two optometric students will go to that doctor's office to help their technicians.

The doctors do not charge for their services. All eyeglass frames are donated from large manufacturers and the Lions Clubs pay for the lenses. They also have a foundation division that helps with surgeries and treatments.

"The Lions Club is a vital part of what we do and if they weren't involved it would be hard to help people, especially children. Eventually we would have to try and write a grant to get funding," Summers added.

Classes generally have eight to 12 students. Right now, there are eight enrolled. After completing the course, students can pursue additional certification on the job.

"It's very rewarding to help people, especially children. When a child hugs your neck and says they can see now, you know you've done your part," said adult student Sylvia Lawson.