Prevent Blindness Northern California

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Coming Soon! - Fundus Camera Pilot Screening Project

We are in the process of purchasing a non mydriatic Fundus camera. The camera can detect abnormalities in the retina, such as diabetic retinopathy. To facilitate this project we have partnered with public health clinics to provide vision screening for underserved adults. We began the initial testing phase of this project in May 2008. So far, it looks like it’s going to be a winner!!

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PBNC Vision Van PBNC's Vision Van

In 2007 Prevent Blindness Northern California received a generous grant to buy a small van and some essential equipment in order to expand our outreach. As a result, since August 1, 2007 we have utilized this transportation to reach and educate approximately 6 times as many vision screeners than during the same period last year. Additionally, in 2008 we are preparing a vigorous schedule to provide on-sight Adult Vision Screening clinics in a diverse group of under served communities. Many thanks to our funders for their very generous contribution to make certain PBNC can provide services where they are needed

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Western Career College Vision Screening Education Program

Community College Partnership


In 2005-06, PBNC partnered with the San Leandro branch of Western Career College (WCC) to launch an educational pilot project which has proven to be very fruitful. PBNC instructs WCC’s student Vocational Nurses (VN’s) on the importance and correct techniques of preschool vision screening. After completing the practicum, the VN’s perform vision screenings in community pre-schools as part of their clinical rotations. As a result, local preschools receive this valuable service free of charge, and the VN’s enter the medical job market with the skills and motivation to perform valid children’s vision screening.

This semester the student VN’s screened over 400 children. We have just finished the Fall 2007 term working with our 3rd group of VN’s, and are impressed with the enthusiasm and professionalism exhibited by the VN students, many of whom speak 2nd languages and communicate well with the highly diverse racial and cultural population in Alameda County. We have arranged to replicate this project at the WCC San Jose campus in January 2008.

 

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