Free Eyeglasses For Students: A Vision Of Charity
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Portland School Department officials have joined eye care providers and local organizations in an effort to provide eyeglasses for students with poor vision.
Thus far, $11,500 in donations has been collected for Glasses for Students, a fund created in September with the goal of assisting children whose families are covered by MaineCare or don’t have health insurance.
Many local eye care clinics have stopped dispensing glasses despite a recent increase in dispensing fee from the state. On September 1, 2010, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services raised the amount optical stores are reimbursed from $8.00 to $14.40, yet many stores are still operating at a loss.
As a short-term solution, Casco Bay Eye Care is offering free eye exams to students with MaineCare and Eyes on Rosemont in Portland is providing lower-cost eye care services to children in need. School nurses are currently administering vision screenings to Portland students and are referring those who need glasses to eye doctors for full, comprehensive exams.
Local Lions Clubs and Kiwanis Clubs have also offered to subsidize glasses for children and raise money when the fund runs out.
If you or a loved one have old prescription eyeglasses that you wish to donate to children or adults, you can make a difference by bringing the glasses to the following locations:
Bangor, 663 Stillwater Avenue (in the mall)
South Portland, 708 Maine Mall Road (in the mall)
Bangor, 663 Stillwater Avenue (in the mall)
South Portland, 343 Gorham Road, Cornerbrook Plaza
Topsham, 11 Winner’s Circle, Unit 21
Waterville, 270 Kennedy Memorial Drive
Once received, glasses will be cleaned, repaired if necessary and donated.
At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we see firsthand people in a time of need after being seriously injured or disabled and know how it feels to help. This holiday season, we encourage Mainers to give the gift of sight to those who need it most. Because in the end, we all get by with a little help from our friends.
The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein - Maine Lawyers Working For Maine People.
