Opening Eyes (Optometry) Volunteer

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Our next Opening Eyes screening will take place on Friday, June 19 & Saturday, June 20 at our Summer Games. Click on "I Want To Help" to receive information on how to sign up.

VOLUNTEER MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS BACKGROUND

• Certificate and current licensure as an eye care professional such as Optometrist or Ophthalmologist, Optometry Students, Optician or Optical Tech/Assistants

The Healthy Athletes program is dedicated to providing health services and education to Special Olympics athletes, and changing the way health systems interact with people with intellectual disabilities. Through free health screenings, training of healthcare professionals, and evaluation of the health status of people with intellectual disabilities, Healthy Athletes has become a powerful public health organization worldwide.

The Opening Eyes program is a 12-station vision evaluation*. It includes lensometry, visual acuity, far cover test, autorefraction, tonometry, color vision, stereopsis, external and internal eye health tests (undilated pupils). At the end of the screening a decision is made if refraction is needed. If it is, the athlete is then taken to the refraction area where refractions are conducted by a licensed professional who also provides a prescription for glasses. Through the generosity of our corporate sponsors Essilor (lenses) and Safilo (frames) eye wear is selected. Athletes who do not need prescription receive sunglasses provided by Safilo.

NOTE: the Opening Eyes program does not replace a complete eye exam which includes dilation. Athletes and guardians/coaches must be notified of this when present at the screening.

IMPORTANCE AND IMPACT
Opening Eyes examinations have found that a large percentage of Special Olympics athletes have untreated eye conditions.

• 38% need new prescription glasses
• 23% have never had an eye exam
• 16% have an eye disease

Benefits of Helping Special Olympics Minnesota Healthy Community Opening Eyes:

• Feeling good about helping those who cannot afford service or who did not know help was available to them.
• Seeing the joy on the face of an athlete as they pick out their frames for glasses/rec specs or choose a pair of sunglasses.
• Knowing that you have changed the life of over 40% the athletes you see in one day as they will be given a service or referral that could in some cases be life saving.
• Enjoying the camaraderie of working together with a group of your fellow professionals.
• Having the ability of increasing the number of patients in your practice: your practice will grow once word gets around that you work with persons with intellectual disabilities.