Mobile eye clinic in Syracuse brings free exams, glasses to 200 residents

More than 100 people were treated Tuesday at a two-day mobile eye clinic outside the Syracuse Rescue Mission, where organizers planned to serve more than 200 Syracuse residents with free vision care. By Wednesday, the exam room was full and four full-time eye doctors were working on site.

The clinic ran June 23 and June 24 as a partnership between VSP Eyes of Hope, the Syracuse Rescue Mission and Syracuse Community Health. It returned to Syracuse for a second year.

VSP Eyes of Hope's mobile clinics have traveled the country for more than 20 years, and the broader program is fully funded by VSP Vision. The effort began in response to Hurricane Katrina before expanding into mobile clinics and other no-cost vision initiatives.

Latowa Gaston said she had lost her glasses after a medical emergency and was relieved to get a new pair. Alan Isaac said vision problems had made it harder for him to pursue art, an issue that cut directly into something he cares deeply about. Tom Richey, who manages VSP Eyes of Hope, said seeing well makes a big difference in people’s lives.

Dan Sieburg, chief executive of the Syracuse Rescue Mission, said the mobile clinic cut through the usual barriers of figuring out whether insurance would cover a visit, where to get glasses and how to get there. The Rescue Mission has served Syracuse and Onondaga County since 1887 and provides emergency shelter, clothing and three free meals every day of the year.

Syracuse Community Health was the local clinical partner, bringing a Syracuse-based eye care system that includes comprehensive eye exams, diagnostic testing, children’s eye care and emergency eye care at 930 Salina Street.