Federal Grant Allows Dr. Friedrichs to Donate Microscope to Free Medical Clinic
Martinsville, June 30th, 2008 Dr. Gray Friedrichs, OD, will present the Free Medical Clinic with a portable slit lamp microscope on Thursday, July 10th. Dr. Friedrichs obtained a federal grant through the American Optometrists Association’s (AOA) Healthy Eyes Healthy People (HEHP) federal initiative to go towards “Project See Clearer.” Project See Clearer will allow the purchase of the slit lamp which in turn will increase quality and access to optometric and specialty eye care at the Free Medical Clinic. Free eye exams are currently given at the Free Medical Clinic by Dr. Friedrichs but with the use of the new microscope, eye exams will be more advanced and detailed.
A slit lamp is a microscope with a light attached that allows the doctor to examine a patient’s eye under high magnification. The microscope is used primarily to view the anterior structures of the eye such as the cornea, iris, and lens. By changing the width of the adjustable light beam, the examining doctor can gather important detail about each eye structure allowing for an easier and more precise diagnosis.
Healthy Eyes Healthy People is an ambitious public-private initiative to improve the eye and visual health of Americans, which was approved by the American Optometric Association in 2001. Healthy Eyes Healthy People is based on the vision objectives of Healthy People 2010 and is geared toward promoting collaboration among government agencies, health care advocates and optometrists to develop innovative strategies for community outreach to help promote good health and optimum vision.
The Free Medical Clinic serves uninsured residents of Martinsville, Henry and Patrick Counties who meet current Federal Poverty Guidelines. The Free Medical Clinic also offers medication assistance for its patients. For more information call the Free Medical Clinic at 276.638.0787. |