A Summer Harvest: Launching our Mobile Clinic and Public Phase of Vision 2020 Campaign
Society for the Blind received a gift on Aug. 14 that will keep on giving. VSP (Vision Service Plan), a global eye care services provider headquartered in Sacramento, donated a Mobile Eye Clinic Van to Society for the Blind, along with portable eye exam equipment and low vision devices and products.
The gift presentation on Aug. 14 marked another important milestone for Society: the public launch of our Vision 2020 Campaign. To date, we have raised $3 million, and our goal is to raise $2 million more by the end of 2020. Funds raised will be used to expand our programming, complete the build-out of our teaching center and establish an endowment.
As the region’s comprehensive center for services, programs and resources for low vision and blindness, this campaign will benefit many thousands of people living in Northern California. Whether helping a child learn Braille, an adult become familiar with adaptive technology, a senior acquire non-visual skills to maintain independence or an employer provide adaptive equipment for a valued employee, Society has the expertise and resources.
With the addition of a mobile clinic, Society is now able to go to our patients who live in rural areas and the northern most part of the state, where transportation to our Sacramento and Roseville clinics is difficult. We know that receiving eye care and training in non-visual skills is most effective when the patient can be in her/his own community. Thanks to the generosity of VSP, this is now possible. This partnership is a way for both Society and VSP to fulfill their missions to provide vision care to people.
Beginning later this fall, Society’s Low Vision Clinic team will take our mobile clinic on the road to visit patients. Our plan is to head up Highway 99 to travel toward Chico, Red Bluff and Redding. In addition to our Low Vision Optometrists and Occupational Therapist, we will also bring an instructor along from time to time to conduct trainings for patients and small groups.
Our board member Les Passuello, who works for VSP, said, “VSP Global is honored to support Society for the Blind and their optometrists in increasing access to eye care for those with low vision throughout Northern California. We look forward to seeing the new opportunities that Society for the Blind is able to create for individuals living with low vision or blindness.”
We are excited to expand the reach of our Low Vision Clinic and educational programming so that more people with vision loss or blindness in Northern California can attain the skills and tools they need to live life to its fullest. Thank you to VSP for this incredible gift, and thank you to all of you who choose to join our vision by investing in our Vision 2020 Campaign.