GREENVILLE, S.C. – Servants for Sight, an Upstate nonprofit providing free and low-cost, high-quality eye care for community members living in poverty, launched its new mobile vision unit in January. Part of the nonprofit’s signature health outreach program, the state-of-the-art van brings a full vision care suite to patients who might lack the funds or transportation to see an ophthalmologist or optometrist. It can serve up to 33 patients per day with eyecare appointments—instead of just an eye screening with the organization’s previous unit —with the goal to serve one to two locations every week. Since launching in January, the “Vision Van” has facilitated 22 free screening events in Taylors, Spartanburg, Greenville, Clinton and Easley, serving more than 400 people.
The new mobile unit was made possible in part by the generous support of Eastside High School’s 2023 Eastside Spirit Week, where students raised an astounding $142,748.26.
Servants for Sight partners with Upstate organizations to bring the mobile unit to shelters, free medical clinics, food pantries and various assistance groups where patients are already receiving other services. During free vision screening events, patients have their vision checked, are screened for eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma and dry eye, receive free reading glasses when needed, and learn more about how to care for their eyes. Qualifying patients with more advanced eye care needs are also connected to highly qualified medical providers who will then donate their time and expertise to provide free services, including eye surgery.
To find a full list of the scheduled mobile unit locations for the remainder of the year, or to learn how to donate or volunteer with Servants for Sight, please visit servantsforsight.org.