Gift of Sight

May 14. 2010

Each year with the assistance of local Optometrists, Eye Center South helps improve the vision of many people here in the Wiregrass area. In the spirit of giving the Gift of Sight, Dr. Bill Bennett and Dr. Heersink volunteer their time to perform free cataract surgeries with the mission to improve the vision and quality of life for our local neighbors.

This year during the week of May 10th Drs. Bennett and Heersink were able to restore the sight of over 30 people. Although the program for this year has ended we are taking applications for next year.

Additionally, if you were not able to have surgery during this time we would like to recommend a few programs that may assist you with financial assistance for medical or surgical eye care needs. If you obtain financial assistance, you might be able to have your surgery earlier with us and we’d be happy to accommodate you.

The Knights Templar (847) 490-3838 To provide assistance to those who face loss of sight due to the need for surgical treatment without regard to race, color, creed, age, sex, or national origin provided that they are unable to pay or receive adequate assistance from current government agencies or similar sources and to provide funds for research in curing diseases of the eye.

Lions Sight ( 800) 96-SIGHT For more than 60 years, the Lions Clubs of Alabama and partners have been saving sight through Alabama Lions Sight Conservation Association. Alabama Lions Sight funds medically necessary eye care for eligible individuals and provides vision screenings for thousands of children and adults every year.

Eye Care America.org All U.S. citizens or legal residents, age 65 and older, who have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years, may be eligible for a "no cost" eye exam and treatment. To see if you qualify for the no-cost eye exam call 1-800-222-eyes or visit www.eyecareamerica.org.

For more information about the Gift of Sight Program and to learn about the patient qualifications please, call your eye doctor or Eye Center South at 334/793-2211.

Thank you for your continued confidence in our services and in Eye Center South. As always, we appreciate the trust you have given us to provide you with your eye care needs.

Sincerely,

Marnix E. Heersink, M.D. William L. Bennett, M.D.