In early August, the Sailing4Sight Foundation came to Michigan City to provide free vision screenings and eyeglasses to children in need. Sailing4Sight is a group of recreational boaters who are dedicated to helping children in coastal communities across the United States who are in need of vision exams and eyeglasses. Over 20 children in Michigan City were evaluated, and the majority needed eyeglasses.
In my role as Nursing Chair for Michigan City Area Schools, I was able to help organize this event and participate as a volunteer. It was so gratifying to watch the children being tested, as they would light up and say for the first time, "I can SEE!" The next step was to try on frames. They got so into selecting what they thought was the perfect style, especially the girls. The frames were then ordered and were delivered within two weeks, just in time for the start of the new school year.
Our schools appreciate the efforts of Greg Dallas, Sailing4Sight Director, and Bill Wittlief, Event Coordinator, for making this happen. Not only did they get the wheels turning, they worked the entire afternoon to complete the project. Working with them to register the students were volunteers Sheila Burkhart and Michelle Burkhart.
The event would not have been possible without Dr. Ossip and Dr. Coalter and the staff at Optical One in Michigan City, where the exams took place. Dr. Coalter, along with Dr. Petry of Spencer, Indiana and Dr. Jill Buck of Greenwood, Indiana provided their professional services at no charge. Three of Optical One staff members -- Kim, Pat and Betty – also volunteered for the day.
According to the Vision Council of America, 48 percent of children in the U.S. under the age of 12 have never been to an eye doctor. Sailing4Sight is a nonprofit organization and could benefit greatly from tax-deductible donations, which can be made easily and safely at www.sailing4sight.com.
And Sailing4Sight isn’t the only group helping our students in need of vision care. The Rotary Club of Michigan City provides free eye exams and glasses for the students throughout the school year. After students with visual problems are identified at the school, the Rotary Club and Dunes Optical work together to provide the eye exam and glasses at no cost to those in need.
Thank you to all who are a part of both of these wonderful programs!