eye care georgia

Organization Provides Vision and Hearing Care To Those In Need

Last Saturday, volunteers washed, cleaned and sorted through eyeglasses which will be distributed to those who suffer vision impairment, locally and internationally. “Through the [Eyeglass Recycling Program], we have been able to distribute over 50,000 eyeglasses not only in Georgia, but in places such as Peru, Haiti and Romania,” said Volunteer Coordinator Laura Griffin. “We really depend on our volunteers not just for sorting and cleaning, but our doctors also volunteer their time for our patients in need.”

Additionally, volunteers also take part in the Vision and Hearing Screening Program, which teaches about prevention and raises awareness of diseases and proper care. “I go out to teach about the importance of vision and hearing because it’s a simple measure that can really make a difference in someone’s life,” said volunteer Adrian Harris, who was also helped by the foundation when he was a teenager.

The organization provides eye exams and surgeries to those who are not able to afford the exams and prescribed eye care. Along with mobile clinics, the organization has set up its first permanent clinic at the headquarters in Chamblee. Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation served more than 5,000 people in 2010 which included surgeries, clinic visits and supplying hearing aids in all 159 counties of Georgia.

With more people needing services in the past three years, the need for volunteers has risen. “We always need a group of volunteers and doctors to be part of our organization,” said Griffin. “Vision care is often ignored, but with our volunteers and programs, we can give people their independence.”

To volunteer with the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, visit www.lionslighthouse.org

In other news: On Mother’s Day, May 8, Two Men And A Truck collected more than 65,000 items to give as gifts to women living in domestic violence and homeless shelters as a part of the trucking company’s Movers for Moms initiative. Locally, the company partnered with Atlanta Heights Charter School, Schreiner Academy, Tutor Time, WTSH-FM South 107 and 94.9 The Bull to give to local domestic and homeless shelters making it a special Mother’s Day for thousands of women.

Dr Janelle Davison, Brilliant Eye Vision Care, Marietta, Georgia ...

By Dr. Janelle Davison, Brilliant Eyes Vision Center

It is spring time again, a time when we are able to go outside to nearby parks, lakes and city landmarks to marvel in Gods creations and awesome power. Here in Atlanta, the flowers are blooming the birds are chirping and the bees are buzzing. Many of you may be experiencing: constant nose running, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Unfortunately, spring is also a time for allergies . While most people associate allergies with runny noses, sinus congestion, hacking and sneezing, in fact allergies can affect various organs, including the eyes. Eye allergies are not sight threatening; however, they can be very irritating and make contact lens wear uncomfortable. The major symptoms associated with eye allergies are itching, tearing, redness and swelling of the eye lids. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, In the U.S., an estimated 80 million people experience eye allergies, and the incidence appears to be on the rise.

Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (eye and nasal allergies) ) allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, is the most common form of ocular and nasal allergy. Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is divided into two classifications: Seasonal and Perennial. Seasonal allergy, presents with an onset of “hay fever” during the summer months, it is the most common and mildest form of allergy. The most common allergens are pollens. Perennial allergic conjunctivitis causes symptoms throughout the year, with exacerbation in autumn, when exposure to dust mites and fungal allergens are the greatest.