Two pediatric eye doctors from the Oregon Health and Science University arrived Thursday night to conduct eye exams for children and treat children with vision impairment.
Dr. Alison Bradee and Dr. Hilary Washe who will be here for one week, began comprehensive eye examinations for children from Matafao, Fagasa and Marist St. Francis elementary schools Friday at the Leo o Aiga Office at the Lumana’i Building
Though Monday is a holiday, the comprehensive eye examinations will continue at the DOH Primary Care Clinic Tafuna for children with special needs and referrals from the LBJ Hospital and DOH.
Friday and Monday’s clinics are follow-up appointments for children who were screened by OHSU in previous visits.
On Tuesday, the team will screen all students of Coleman Elementary in Pago Pago then move to Manulele Tausala in Nuuuli on Wednesday.
Children with eyesight problems are referred to the Eye Vision Optical Center to be fitted for glasses, paid for by the Medicaid Program.
Ipuniuesea Eliapo-Unutoa of the Department of Health is asking parents of Coleman Elementary and Manulele Tausala to please sign consent forms so their children’s eyes can be checked.
She said, while the OHSU team will not see walk ins during this visit, parents who suspect their children have problems with their sight can contact DOH for a future appointment.
The Lions Club of Pago Pago is partnering with the Department of Health on the eye care project, with assistance from the LBJ Hospital.
