'Sight Day' Success: Vision Effort Touches Many

Just a few months ago, a simple vision of Dr. Alex Levin of Wills Eye Institute (and a member of the Eagles Youth Partnership Board of Directors) to provide free eye checks and glasses for as many children as possible in Philadelphia became a reality on Saturday, Nov. 21.

The first "Give Kids Sight Day" proved to be an overwhelming success, spotlighting the tremendous need for vision care among our region's population. The effort offered parents the opportunity to bring their children for a free eye check. Those who needed a full exam received one, and those who needed prescription glasses will receive them via their school nurses in the weeks to follow.

One of many children fitted for glasses aboard the Eagles Eye Mobile on 'Sight Day'

Of the 700 children examined at Wills Eye, 310 were fitted for glasses aboard the Eagles Eye Mobile and will receive two free pairs of glasses.

Combining the forces of Eagles Youth Partnership (EYP), Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY), Wills Eye Institute and The Eye Institute, and with a herculean volunteer effort by St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Jefferson University Hospital and Americorps, this event served more than 1,100 children in a single day.

"People were already lined up when I arrived at 7 am," explained Amy Tessier, who manages the Eagles Eye Mobile program for EYP. "Although we were originally scheduled to run until 2 pm, volunteers never took a break and we fitted the last child for glasses at 6:15 pm! Additionally, we took contact info for hundreds of children who arrived after we cut the line and we will contact them to be sure that they all are seen in the coming months."

SWOOP, Eagles Cheerleaders and the Eagles Storybook Man were among the special guests on site to entertain the crowds.

WDAS-FM provided a live remote, and along with other local radio stations helped to get the word out to those who may not be able to afford proper eye care for their family.

Of many remarkable stories of the day, one family of four – all of whom had no eyeglasses - were all found to be legally blind, but will now have corrective prescriptions, thanks to the free services provided.