Posted:  Fullerton, CA, December 17, 2012

Vision screenings for 123 athletes competing in the Fall Games of the Special Olympics Southern California were provided by faculty, alumni and students from the Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO).  The vision screenings were part of the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes Program.

Overall, 123 athletes received a vision screening and 98 of them received new glasses.  Thirty-three athletes were referred for additional care.  Volunteers providing the vision care included 14 optometrists and 57 optometric interns who were assisted by members of SCCO's support staff and administration.  SCCO Assistant Professors Eunice Myung Lee, O.D., and Kristine Huang, O.D., M.P.H., serve as Clinical Directors to Special Olympics Southern California.  The vision screening included visual acuity, entrance tests, refraction, health assessment and the selection of glasses.

At the Healthy Athletes Village free health screenings were made available to keep athletes prepared for their training and competition.  In addition to vision screenings, volunteer healthcare professionals and students provided screenings in the areas of podiatry, hearing, dental, dietary and fitness.