The John A. Moran Eye Center has expanded its effort to help underserved populations, such as resettled refugees living in Utah, access high-quality eye care.
Ongoing clinics assist former refugees now living in Utah who may be covered by Medicaid for comprehensive eye exams, but not for eyeglasses.
A Moran optometrist conducts eye exams, writes prescriptions, and identifies candidates for Moran’s twice-yearly Operation Sight Day, which provides charity cataract surgery to uninsured Utahns in need. Patients needing prescription eyeglasses or readers receive them free of charge and translators are on hand to assist pre-scheduled patients as well as walk-ins.
The Hope in Sight® Refugee Eye Care Clinic took place at Moran's Redwood Health Center location Aug. 3. Moran optometrist Mark A. McKay, OD, and a volunteer team provided exams for 22 patients, made five referrals to Moran's Operation Sight Day, and discovered a patient in need of emergency care for glaucoma.
The event was possible thanks to sponsor Grandeur Peak Global Advisors of Salt Lake City and partnerships between Moran’s Global Outreach Division and community organizations, including the Refugee and Immigrant Center – Asian Association of Utah (RIC-AAU) and the International Rescue Committee.