Public charity, Sailing4Sight, has teamed up with Nashville Optometrist Dr. Jessica Wagers to provide free eye refractions and eyeglasses to homeless and less fortunate school-age children in the area on Nov. 11.
“We do this for 4-year-olds in preschool through seniors in high school,” said Bill Wittlief, S4S event coordinator. “Our whole incentive for this is we enjoy helping these kids.”
Wittlief joined partner, Greg Dallas, at their local bible study in Indianapolis to provide these services to communities all over the states. This is the 14th event they will put on for this cause.
“It’s so important because we’re providing free eye exams and glasses to kids whose parents probably couldn’t afford it,” said Wittlief. “We’ve even picked up eye diseases in some of the kids before.”
Wittlief said they usually do it in the fall season as the timing is great because students have just done eye exams in school and S4S can step in and provide care for those who need it.
Dallas has his own optical company and works to find optometrists in various areas who are willing to work with their nonprofit on the matter. He reached out to Dr. Wagers and she was eager to work with them for kids in Brown County.
“We are a real community and not everyone has access to healthcare,” said Wagers. “I know there are definitely still patients out there who don’t have access to glasses.”
Wagers said this is a program her lab uses that allows her to collaborate like this. She volunteers her time to perform free vision tests, and S4S then provides free eyeglasses when needed.
“If there’s some way I can help even just one person, then absolutely let’s do it,” said Wagers.
“I’m a former principal and teacher in Lutheran schools and I’ve always had a passion to help kids, and Greg does this for a living so it’s his passion too,” said Wittlief.
Appointments for exams are required and will be set on a first come first serve basis with limited availability. Children should be referred by their school nurse whenever possible.
Wittlief asks for parents to please contact him or his wife Nancy at 317-626-2246 to schedule appointment times instead of through Dr. Wager’s office. The event takes place Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
