Volunteers mobilize in the fight against eye disease
U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel (NY) listened closely as his old friend, Bud Grant, was telling him about a new drug to combat glaucoma and the need to screen people for the disease. Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness in America.
Congressman Rangel, whose mother had gone blind from the disease, immediately took action. He formed the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus and not long afterward an action committee started work.
At first the Caucus was small. But the idea ignited such enthusiasm that soon membership grew to more than 60. Today, there are over 80 members.
[Congressman José E. Serrano (D-NY) is tested aboard a mobile testing clinic]
Since testing is the only way to know if someone has the condition, the Friends of Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation decided to invest in a mobile unit to travel to areas where glaucoma has usually gone untested. While everyone is at risk, there are higher incidences among ethnic minorities. It is those most at risk who have historically gone untested.
Like any mobile program, sustainability is a key factor to its success, so the Foundation’s outreach effort operates through a network of volunteers.
Brian Quinn, a spokesperson for the Foundation, said, “Volunteering is an attractive proposition for ophthalmologists. They know early detection can prevent blindness caused by glaucoma; and the availability of a mobile testing station lets populations most in need get tested.” When a mobile unit arrives at its destination medical volunteers are ready and waiting.
According to Mr. Quinn, Bud Grant, president of the Foundation, motivates ophthalmologists to volunteer by his personal charisma, integrity, and passion for the program.
The Foundation’s operating expenses are funded by the CDC with a few small grants from corporations. The CDC Minority Health program funded the purchase of the first mobile clinic from Ohio-based manufacturer, LifeLine Mobile.
The program proved so successful that the Foundation was able to secure more CDC funding for two more mobile testing stations from LifeLine. “We now have four vehicles from LifeLine: one in San Francisco, one in Washington D.C., and two based here in New York,” said Mr. Quinn. There are many requests for screenings so the vehicles are constantly on the road.
Student Sight Savers is another successful program supported by the Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Foundation. Medical students conduct hundreds of screening aboard mobile outreach vehicles. More than 40 medical schools are now involved in the program. Students provide a valuable service to the community while gaining clinical experience.
“It’s a win-win situation,” said Mr. Quinn.
cr @ April 12, 2006