Neb. ODs open eyes of 1,000 athletes
September 3, 2010
Steve Alcorn, O.D., Special Olympics Opening Eyes clinical director, conducts an autorefraction on an athlete as part of the national games July 18-23.
Volunteers from the Nebraska Optometric Association (NOA) provided free eye care to more than 1,000 athletes July 18-23 as part of the 2010 National Special Olympic Games Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes program.
With the help of NOA Executive Director Dave McBride and staff Alissa Johnson and Joni Kral, nearly 50 NOA members volunteered for the event, as well as 85 paraoptometrics/opticians and almost 50 more Nebraska Lions Club members.
The group of volunteers was organized by Opening Eyes Clinical Director Steve Alcorn, O.D., who first got involved when the program came to Nebraska in 2001.
At this year’s event, Ellen Weiss, O.D., and Meggin Webber handled the optical, Cherie Lodl, O.D., and Dawn Lodl coordinated the NOA volunteers, and Walt and LaDonna Grosse coordinated the Lions volunteers.
“It’s very important that the athletes get this care,” said Dr. Alcorn. “If you look at the stats, 151 athletes had not had their eyes checked in the last three years. And it’s great for the young athletes, who are 2 to 7 years old, because even though they aren’t competing, we give them a complete eye exam.”
Opening Eyes programs provide complete eye exams at Special Olympics sites around the world. Glasses are made on-site, and referrals are made for those needing follow-up care.
The group distributed 564 pairs of prescription glasses, 353 sunglasses and 231 sports goggles during the week-long screening.
“The stories are endless,” said Dr. Alcorn. “Take the highly myopic athlete who did not have his glasses so he left his contact lenses in for five days until he was in such pain he could barely play his soccer games because of light sensitivity. We took care of him and not only treated his condition so he could play more comfortably in his game the next day, but we got him a pair of glasses and sports goggles to wear as well. Or the athlete who broke his glasses in Lincoln, and we made him a new pair the same day so he could still compete and enjoy the experience of the Games. Or the young man we saw within the last two hours we were there and found him to have IOP of 61 and immediately got him seen to take care of his glaucoma so he didn’t go blind.”
For more than 10 years, the Special Olympics has served athletes by offering free health screenings as part of its Healthy Athletes program, which includes Opening Eyes.
Over the years, Lions Clubs International has donated more than $15 million to the program. Other sponsors include Essilor and Safilo.
“This was just a great experience,” said Dr. Alcorn. “It is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. The athletes are so appreciative of what we do and look forward to seeing us there. Some are the same year after year. It’s just a really rewarding experience. It’s a great feeling to do this for them, to supply care that they don’t get elsewhere.”
To volunteer, contact a local Special Olympics office or AOA state affiliate. For more information, visit www.specialolympics.org/volunteer_with_healthy_athletes.aspx.
