Posted: Fullerton, CA, January 27, 2012

The joyful smiles and enthusiastic reactions of the five children who received assistive technology to enhance their limited vision were incredible.  On January 26, five underserved, visually impaired children from Southern California received life-changing assistive technology thanks to the efforts of three organizations – Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO), Sight Savers America and Optelec, U.S., Inc.

The children, ranging in age from five to 15, have severe conditions ranging from glaucoma to optic dysplasia and brain damage.  They are all patients at the Walls Low Vision Rehabilitation Center at the Southern California College of Optometry's (SCCO's), Eye Care Center in Fullerton, CA.

Multi-view electronic magnifiers for in-home use were provided to SCCO's patients by Sight Savers America, a nationally expanding, not-for-profit organization that provides vision care for economically disadvantaged children and Optelec, U.S., Inc., a world leader in innovative and life changing assistive technologies for the visually impaired.  Although the children are legally blind, they can make the most of their remaining vision with these high-tech vision aids that are costly and not covered by insurance.

SCCO worked with local community resource centers, such as Braille Institute, to identify five Southern California children were ideal recipients for assistive technology to enhance their remaining sight.  Optelec donated several multi-view electronic video magnifiers capable of enlarging objects up to 79 times their original sizes.  Sight Savers America, coordinated the event, donated some of the equipment, and will provide extensive follow-up services to the children and their families.  Staff from Sight Savers America and Optelec trained the children and their families on how to use their new vision aids, after which the children were able to take them home.  All of the services were provided free of charge.

Media on-hand at the special event included ABC-TV, Orange County Register, and Telemundo-TV.

This wonderful event has generated additional news coverage.

Orange County Register Video:  Magnifiers Help Visually Impaired Children To See

Telemundo TV:  Video of SCCO and Sight Savers Event

Whittier Daily News:  January 30 News Article

Orange County Register:  March 2 News Article
 

The first reaction of visually impaired, Yaxha Cruz, 8, to the assistive technology he received to enhance his remaining sight.  Sight Savers America's Margie Haddox teaches Yaxha how to use the electronic magnifier.	News crews from the Orange County Register and ABC-TV were on-hand to capture the special day for the children receiving assistive technology.  SCCO's Chief, Walls Low Vision Rehabilitation Center, Eye Care Center Rebecca Kammer, O.D., explains the benefit of the technology.
Lindsay Kerr, 15, receives training on her new multi view electronic magnifier.	Darren Haver, watches as his son, Jack Haver, 11, receives instruction on the use of his electronic magnifier from Sight Savers America's Margie Haddox.
Five year-old, Havilah Davis, with her Mom, Michelle, receive instruction on the electronic magnifier.  Three SCCO Optometric Interns observe the training.	Costa Mesa resident, Alexia Steudle, 14, learns how to use her new electronic magnifier, as Mom, Tracey Cook watches.