IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS, AMERICANS HAVE GIVEN MORE volunteer time than at any other point in our history, according to the last census. Well friends, charity begins at home, and here is where it is needed. As ophthalmologists, volunteerism through your practice will help close the disparities in eye care today, and, as a bonus, will help carve you a niche in your community.
A perfect example of giving bearing the fruits of generosity became evident to me as director of community outreach for Scott Spector Eye Care Centers, Norwalk, Conn.
Through programs and activities like glaucoma screenings, mission cataract surgery days, health fairs, pediatric screenings, partnering with Lions Clubs and partnerships with state agencies and the local chamber of commerce, our group enjoyed TV appearances, more than 22 full-page regional newspaper articles, and the honor of being the only ophthalmology practice in Connecticut to be named Business of the Year, a tribute to Scott Spector, MD, a great surgeon with vision, as well as his dedicated staff. As important was the 250 percent-plus growth in three years. That's the power of volunteerism and community outreach!
For the past four years, Partnership for Sight, made possible through a grant from Allergan, has partnered with Lions Clubs International to support the Lions Eye Health Program resulting in a CD-ROM entitled, How You Can Help Save Sight. The CD is a comprehensive guide for those interested in preserving sight in the community. It outlines how to get started working in your community with Lions members to target high-risk glaucoma and diabetic populations for both screenings and educational programs. The CD is supported by two pamphlets, What You Should Know about Glaucoma and What You Should Know about Diabetic Eye Disease. The Lions Eye Health Program has essentially helped to mobilize 850,000 Lions Clubs members to volunteer with you in your communities to help fight the leading causes of preventable blindness.
The Partnership for Sight program is a turnkey solution to patient screenings. We come to a location and work with local ophthalmologists to serve the community for no other reason except the local patient population's best interests. As a demonstration of the effectiveness of glaucoma screenings like these and on a personal note, my wife, Marie, had a tumor discovered at a screening that had gone undetected even though she had been working in ophthalmology for 14 years.
This wonderful program has been a benefit to teaching hospitals, medical and private practices throughout the United States. Working with local media outlets, the program has educated millions of Americans at-risk for eye disease. At the same time, participation in this program has helped local ophthalmologists by exposing their expertise to their communities and potential new patients. These programs are just two examples of how ophthalmologists can give back to their communities. Other programs exist and offer the same benefits to the patient community while giving local ophthalmologists the chance to enhance their profile. It's a win-win!
Mr. Martin is a glaucoma activist and advocate for Allergan Inc. For further information on the Partnership for Sight program, contact him at 2 Powder Horn Lane, New Milford, Conn. 06776, phone: (860) 210 0243, fax: (860) 210 0628, or lehpmartin@juno.com. For information on the Lions Clubs International, visit lionsclubs.org.
