ALERT: We will be offering a vision screening event on Saturday, August 8th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
In January of 2008, The Illinois state legislation passed bill 641 which mandates that every child entering kindergarten, or every student new to the State of Illinois school system, must have vision screening by either an Optometrist or an Ophthalmologist. The state, however, neglected to provide funds for such screenings for families without healthcare coverage. Dr. Ruff, an Ophthalmologist and Eye Surgeon (see bio) quickly recognized that there would be a large number of underserved/underprivileged children without insurance who would fall through the cracks, i.e. have a hard time finding a provider to perform these screenings and then help them with glasses if needed. He therefore developed a program in May of 2008 in partnership with the North Shore Health Center of the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center and local school nurses to locate and take care of these children. As a part of this screening program, Dr. Ruff has provided free prescription glasses to those screened in-coming kindergarteners who have needed them. Although his medical and surgical practice is in Lake Forest, Dr. Ruff has taken care of these children at his Envision Eye Center – Highwood location. Every child has been referred through the Community Relations Coordinator at the Lake County Health Department North Shore Health Center. The Community Relations Coordinator screens the children/family as to level of need, and makes sure that the children live within the Highland Park/Highwood school district. At this point, over 30 pre-kindergarteners have been screened, and 5 pairs of free glasses have been given to children so that they can start school with clear vision!
On August 9, 2008 Dr. Ruff has decided to open up the process with the help of his associate Dr. Vicki Haynes. From 9am to 1:00pm they will be screening any child from grades K – 12 who has been referred through the department. The pre-kindergarteners will as usual be fully examined if the screening deems it necessary, and free glasses will be dispensed if needed. Older children (grades 1 – 12) with, or without glasses, will also be screened for free. If a simple eye glass measurement is all that is needed, this will be performed, if time permits, and will also be for free. If glasses are then dispensed, Envision Eye Center and Dr. Ruff will make available a large selection of frames and lenses at a significant discount to the family for this child. If any older child (grades 1 -12) requires a more detailed examination with or without a change in glasses, or contact lenses, this will be taken care of at a separate visit with Dr. Haynes, in the Highwood location, at a discounted fee for the exam, glasses and or contact lenses.
Dr. Ruff is proud to watch the birth and development of Operation: Eyes on the Future. He is determined to make this an on-going, yearly connection with the community in which he lives and where his children have gone to school. He firmly believes that our future resides within our children, and therefore, wants them to have a fresh start!
Read Operation: Eyes on the Future Update
