About Us
Project VISION is a mobile screening unit that provides free vision screenings and advocates for the early detection of eye diseases and disorders. The 35-foot RV is equipped with state-of-the-art digital imaging equipment that takes high-quality photos of the inside of the eye in less than 10 minutes. Using the photos, ophthalmologists who review the images can detect eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts.
The free screenings can also detect health conditions like diabetes. Retinal exams can also detect other high-risk conditions in individuals without diabetes. For example, a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology revealed that moderate retina diseases or eye hemorrhages are associated with an increase in heart-related death. “Project VISION is a unique way to approach community outreach from a health standpoint,” said Dr. Bennett. “This type of program can be expensive, but losing vision is even more costly, both financially and emotionally. I hope what we’re doing in Hawaii can serve as a national model for vision and health care, and that sponsors and community leaders will lend their support as they realize the importance of this initiative.”
Project Vision Sheds Light on the Importance of Screenings in the Detection of Disease
Partnerships with the American Diabetes Association Hawaii Chapter, Lions Club and Young Brothers as well as an anonymous grant from a wonderful foundation, have enabled Project VISION to make visits to neighbor islands, including Kauai, Maui, Molokai and the Big Island. The service is especially critical in remote areas like Molokai, where vision care is scarce and diabetes runs rampant. Dr. Bill Thomas, chief of staff and medical director of Molokai General Hospital said, “Hypertension and diabetes are the two most common illnesses on Molokai, both of which a retina test can help detect.”
The hospital refers its diabetic patients to retinal experts every year to check sight progression. “Most of the time, people don’t go to see a doctor because they don’t think anything is wrong,” said Dr. Bennett. “We’re trying to alter that way of thinking and encourage people to seek education and preventative care.”
Over the past two years, approximately 3,000 people have received the important vision screenings through Project VISION. Of those, 40% were found to have abnormalities in at least one eye.
If you would like to support Project VISION or just want more information about retinal screenings, please call 808.282.2265.
© 2011 Project Vision Hawaii. All Rights Reserved. | Project Vision Hawaii is a 501(c)(3) organization