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Wake Forest University School of Medicine Students Provide Free Eye Health Screenings With Project SEE

Vision Monday1d ago1 min read

WINSTON‑SALEM, N.C.—Project Screening Eyes and Education (SEE), a student‑run initiative from Wake Forest University School of Medicine is closing a local “vision gap” by bringing free eye health screenings, prescription spectacles and ophthalmology consults directly to the community. The next Project SEE clinics will be a pediatric clinic, for children 18 and under, on Saturday, April 18, and an adult clinic on Saturday, May 9, both held at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Downtown Health Plaza.

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AI Summary

Quick Take

Wake Forest University School of Medicine students are addressing local healthcare disparities through Project SEE (Screening Eyes and Education), a student-run initiative providing free eye exams and glasses. Upcoming clinics in Winston-Salem will offer pediatric screenings on April 18 and adult services on May 9, including direct access to ophthalmology consultations.

Why It Matters

Community-based initiatives like Project SEE are critical for identifying undiagnosed pathology in underserved populations who face significant barriers to traditional eye care. By integrating medical students into these screenings, the program not only addresses the local "vision gap" but also trains the next generation of physicians to recognize the socioeconomic factors affecting ocular health. These clinics serve as a vital safety net, potentially preventing permanent vision loss through early detection and the provision of corrective lenses at no cost to the patient.

Key Details

Project SEE (Screening Eyes and Education) is a student-run initiative from Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
The program provides comprehensive services including free eye health screenings, prescription spectacles, and ophthalmology consults.
A dedicated pediatric clinic for children aged 18 and under is scheduled for Saturday, April 18.
An adult-focused screening clinic will take place on Saturday, May 9.
All events are hosted at the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Downtown Health Plaza in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Practice Implications

Clinicians in the Winston-Salem area should be aware of these free resources as referral options for uninsured or underinsured patients needing basic screenings or glasses. These events also highlight the efficacy of student-led outreach models in improving community health outcomes and reducing the burden on emergency departments for non-emergent vision issues.

Who's Affected

OphthalmologistsPediatric OptometristsPublic Health OfficialsMedical StudentsCommunity Health Workers

What's Next

Following the April and May clinics, the program is expected to continue its community outreach efforts to bridge the vision gap. Local providers may see an uptick in follow-up referrals for patients identified with advanced pathology during these screenings.

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