Article By: Angelica Delgado – PCO 2014
Video By: Angelica Delgado & Arthur Kim SUNY 2013
This year I had the pleasure to be apart of the NJ Summer Games, which is held annually in the second weekend of June. The “Special Olympics – Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes” is dedicated to providing quality eye care to our Special Olympics athletes; individuals with intellectual disabilities worldwide.
Opening Eyes was founded by New Jersey-based optometrist, Dr. Paul Berman in 1991 and is continued to be supported by a grant from the Lions Clubs International Foundation. NJ Summer Games was held at the College of New Jersey and was a successful 2 day event that included volunteers of different optometry schools, optometrists, para-optometrics and local citizens.
Together we performed 266 screening, 142 prescribtion glasses, 51 sport goggles and 117 sunglasses.
As an optometry student, this event improved my communication skills and my clinical techniques but most importantly I helped athletes cross finish lines! I was glad to provide quality eyecare to the public and stress the importance of getting a yearly eye exam to the patients I saw. These types of experiences will grow your foundation as a prospective doctor and remind the community that optometry cares!
A special thanks goes to Opening Eyes Partners (Lions Clubs International, Essilor International, The Safilo Group and Liberty Sport) for their support and generosity in providing ophthalmic lenses, optical glasses and frames, sunglasses and sports eyewear. Also thank you to Co-Directors of Opening Eye; Bruce Meyer, O.D. / Margaret Facey-Campbell, O.D. Kimberly K. Friedman, O.D. and administrative assistant, Edna McKinney, for organizing the event and making it a success.
See you at the games next year!
