TROPIC VISION CARE 2023 COMING TO HAWAIʻI COUNTY

TROPIC VISION CARE 2023 COMING TO HAWAIʻI COUNTY

Hawaiʻi County, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense, Hawaiʻi State Department of Health and community partners hosts a no-cost eye clinic in Kona on August 14 – 18, 2023.

This joint initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Innovative Readiness Training aims to offer approximately 250 eye exams, and to prescribe and fabricate glasses for those in need while providing over 100 hours of training experience to U.S. Army medical personnel.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vision loss affects 93 million adults and is among the top ten causes of disability in the U.S. Evidence suggests that early detection and treatment can prevent much blindness and vision impairment.

“We are pleased to announce that this innovative DOD initiative is returning to Hawaiʻi County. Having healthy eyes is so important to both keiki and adults as quality vision impacts their daily lives. The County is grateful to our partners for coming together and making this year’s Tropic Vision Care possible” says Mayor Mitch Roth.

“This initiative to promote eye care supports the Department of Health’s mission which is to improve the health of all people in Hawaii,” says Hawaiʻi District Health Officer John Kolman who leads the Tropic Vision Care. “We are very fortunate to have received an offer to use the facility at Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center and to have their community outreach support.”

Additionally, this year’s Tropic Vision Care is generously supported by Community First Hawaiʻi and Project Vision Hawaiʻi.

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this five-day clinic which provides eye exams and glasses to residents at no cost. In addition, blood pressure screening and insurance enrollment services will be available at the site.