Dozens of people came to Community Bridges’ downtown location Sunday, where they received a free eye exam and, if needed, a pair of prescription glasses.
This included an onsite mobile RV that made the glasses onsite.
The exams—which organizers estimate at $400-$500—came thanks to VSP Vision, a Sacramento-based insurance company that donates the time and materials.
“Eye Health is so important,” company spokeswoman Susan Shafer said. “It’s a big part of overall health. and not being able to see can really impede your ability to get through day-to-day life.”
Dominic Dursa from Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas office said that someone reached out to Rivas’ office with concerns that many people are unable to access eye care. Rivas then reached out to VSP.
“It’s been a great opportunity for the community,” Dursa said.
According to VSP, 1.1 billion people around the world live with vision impairment and can’t get the care they need for a variety of reasons.
Adults and children from within California’s vulnerable populations, such as seniors, English learners, and those from rural farming communities, may have even more difficulty accessing eye care and eyewear.
With stops in Salinas and Gilroy, Watsonville was the third local stop for the clinic. In all, roughly 300 patients received services.A vision for the community
