The screening is part of a state and local effort to encourage annual eye exams to reduce blindness.
As January marks National Glaucoma Awareness Month, the Burlington County Health Department is hosting a free vision and eye screening Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 15 Pioneer Blvd in Westampton.
The screening is part of state and local efforts to reduce blindness.
Officials from the state Department of Human Services’ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired will team up with the Burlington County to hold the “Project BEST” eye screening from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Project BEST, (Better Eye-Health Services and Treatment), is part of an ongoing state initiative to provide eye health education and safety by offering free screenings to adults and children.
Officials say that researchers estimate half of all blindness or severe vision loss cases can be prevented. This event will also bring attention to glaucoma, which officials say is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Researchers estimate that more than three million people in the United States have the disease.
The screening project especially targets low-income residents, older adults, people with diabetes, migrant workers and people with special needs.
The Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired also offers educational, vocational rehabilitation and activities of daily living skills to help people remain independent while adjusting to vision loss.
Those who attend are also asked to bring any glasses that they wear.
Walk-ins are welcome, or those interested can register for a free eye screening by calling the Burlington County Health Department at (609) 265–5548.
