The February 18 annual clinic will be held at the Church of Christ (276 W. Santa Paula St.) from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Those who want a screening will be seen on a first come, first served basis; there is no guarantee that all patients in line will be seen as screening may close early subject to attendance. 

A cadre of volunteers including optometrists, Lions from various clubs and individuals are expected to help at the event including Dr. Mark Brunette OD and Dr. Doanh Nguyen of Miramar Eye Specialists Group Santa Paula-Ventura and Dr. Morgan Ruiz and Dr. Carey B. Poultney of Santa Paula-based Heritage Valley Eye Care.

According to California Friends in Sight, the vision screening is not meant to replace a comprehensive eye examination and refraction that can be obtained through a doctor’s office. The vision screening is designed to assess for ocular health concerns and provide a useable pair of recycled eyeglasses until professional services and ophthalmic materials are obtained. 

Last year in Santa Paula 410 patients were screened with 354 found to need eyeglasses; of that number 25 could not be matched with the recycled glasses on hand but left with orders to have new glasses made at an optical lab. There are more than 18,000 pairs of recycled eyeglasses available for free at the Friends in Sight Clinic.

Other patients examined were found to need advanced care for serious eye issues while others were ordered to receive further assessment for glaucoma, a group of diseases that without early detection and treatment can result in vision loss and blindness.

Everyone over age 60, especially Mexican-Americans, is at risk of glaucoma. 

Lions Clubs collect eyeglasses year-round for this and other programs. 

The Lions Club, founded in the United States in 1917, was declared “Knights of the Blind” by Helen Keller, who in 1925 partnered with the organization to focus on helping those with sight issues.