VISTAKON® Division Of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. sponsors free eye exam event for World Sight Day

A crucial part of maintaining healthy vision includes having regular, complete eye exams, and yet many people can’t afford it. In honor of World Sight Day on Oct. 10, VISTAKON® Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. (JJVCI) is sponsoring free eye exams so underserved or uninsured individuals can receive this critical eye care service. Through a partnership with Vision is Priceless (VIP), over 200 pre-qualified patients will benefit from this event, Wed.-Fri., October 9-11.

“Everyone needs a complete eye exam because that’s how you are more likely to prevent blindness and eye disease,” said Ashley McEvoy, Company Group Chairman, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care. “Even with perfect vision, you can still have a sight-threatening condition. Early signs of multiple diseases and conditions can be seen in the eye long before symptoms appear elsewhere: high blood pressure, diabetes and more. Scheduling an appointment with an eye care professional is good preventive medicine, just like getting an annual physical.”

Susan Mattox, Executive Director, Vision is Priceless, agrees that annual eye exams are critical. “VIP has helped over 31,000 through their screening and early detection programs. Usually people know their vision is poor, but others are surprised to learn that they have something seriously wrong. That’s why it’s so important to get a complete eye exam. They can be life-changing for people, and sometimes they can even empower people to return to work, to driving and living independently. We are honored to help provide vision care to those who don’t have the resources.” To provide this valuable service, VIP works with local eye care professionals who volunteer their services through VIP’s Cared Vision Network.

For World Sight Day, VIP has pre-scheduled appointments for those on their waiting list to receive full eye exams. Applicants must have attended an initial VIP eye screening to determine medical need and learn about other criteria, including documentation of income and more. To learn about VIP eye health events, contact their office at 904-308-2020.

In addition to free eye exams for World Sight Day, JJVCI is sponsoring special activities across the city to educate residents of all ages about the importance of regular eye exams.