MOBILE EYE CARE FOR THE HOMELESS PROGRAM

The Mobile Eye Care for the Homeless Program was begun in 1990 to meet the eye care needs of the homeless and indigent population in Baltimore. The Maryland Society for Sight’s mobile vision van travels to homeless facilities in the Baltimore area to provide eye care to the homeless and indigent. We partner with Chase Brexton Health Services, Christopher Place Employment Academy, Health Care for the Homeless, Helping Up Mission, the Hispanic Apostolate, Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training, the Men’s Health Center and the VA Medical Center to provide vital eye care for their clients.

Volunteer eye doctors examine the patients for cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and other vision problems. Those needing further eye care are referred to local hospitals which have agreed to provide follow-up treatment. We have found that something as simple as a pair of glasses can often mean the difference between living on the street and having a job.

The Mobile Eye Care for the Homeless Program has provided over 5,200 homeless people with complete eye examinations and eyeglasses since the program began. Over 90% of those examined on the vision van are in need of corrective eyewear and many have extremely poor eyesight. There are also cases of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, amblyopia and other eye diseases and injuries.

One man who was helped by the Mobile Eye Care for the Homeless Program wrote to tell us how much the program meant to him. "God bless the vision van and its volunteers for they provide a service which is greatly needed and appreciated by those of us with vision problems."

The Mobile Eye Care for the Homeless Program could not operate without the generous support of the eye care professionals who donate countless hours to provide eye care for the homeless and indigent. We are extremely grateful for their support.

The Mobile Eye Care for the Homeless Program is an important step on the road to a better life for the homeless and indigent in Baltimore.

For more information on the Mobile Eye Care for the Homeless Program or if you know someone who is homeless and in need of eye care, please call us at 410-243-2020 or 800-MSS-EYES or email us at info@mdsocietyforsight.org.

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