Volunteers help patients at a previous Vision Care Service Free Eye Camp event in Los Angeles.
Vision Care Service, an international relief organization, and Hwarang Leo Club, will be hosting its eighth Free Eye Camp on April 29 at the Los Angeles Korean Consulate General, from 9 AM to 1 PM.
The event offers free services to all Koreans, regardless of their status. Vision Care Service will also provide free cataract surgeries for those with low income who have been found to have cataracts from screening results.
Those who wish to receive the free eye screenings do not need to make appointments. The first 100 to arrive will be served on a first come, first serve basis. For the free surgery services, individuals could submit a request following the eye screening via mail, including their church information and recommendations.
"Ophthalmology is generally not included in basic health care, so there are many people who are unable to go to the hospital even when they are experiencing discomfort or pain in their eyes," said Chang Y. Lee, the chariman of Vision Care Service West.
"This event was prepared for those who have been unable to receive simple eye screenings because of a lack of insurance," Lee added. "We plan to provide surgeries free of charge for those whose screenings show that they have cataracts."
Sarah Park, the president of the youth volunteer organization Hwarang Leo Club, urged many to come and participate in the event, saying that helpful seminars on health will also be offered.
Two ophthalmologists will be participating in the event, and volunteer nurses and youth will be serving patients at the event as well.
Vision Care West has been providing free eye screenings in Koreatown, Los Angeles, since 2012, and has provided free cataract surgeries for 70 individuals.
