Free eye exams with the “NEUCA dla Zdrowia” Foundation
The “NEUCA dla Zdrowia” Foundation will screen patients from 40 towns and cities across Poland for vision defects. Free screening tests for myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, strabismus and more will be performed by qualified personnel using specialized equipment. The mobile clinic of the “NEUCA dla Zdrowia” Foundation hit the road on March 6 and will visit all provinces across the country over the next 2 months.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), moderate to severe visual impairment is a concern for over 217 million people worldwide. Uncorrected refractive errors, nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism are listed among the most common vision disorders, which affect 53% of all cases. Others include untreated cataracts (25%), age-related macular degeneration AMD (4%), glaucoma (2%), and diabetic retinopathy (1%). [1] Preventive eye examinations can make a significant difference in avoiding or slowing the development of these conditions.
“Preventive eye examinations for vision defects should be performed in children starting at age 4, and at the latest before the child starts school. This is extremely important as the impact of visual dysfunction on school skills has been documented. In the elderly, proper vision significantly affects their safety when experiencing mobility limitations,” says Bogusława Golus-Jankowska, President of the “NEUCA dla Zdrowia” Foundation.
Demographic forecasting predicts a drastic increase in the prevalence of visual impairment. It is reported that 58% and 14% of the population are users of corrective glasses and contact lenses, respectively. These two methods of correcting refractive errors are also the most popular. [2]
“The growing demand for eye care is evidenced by TU Zdrowie’s data, which shows that the number of eye examinations and procedures arranged through us increased by more than 300% last year over 2021. Those insured at TU Zdrowie have access to a broad ophthalmology package – from basic visual acuity tests to surgical procedures,” – says Teresa Domańska, Director of the TU Zdrowie Healthcare Insurance Office.
As part of the screening, the “NEUCA dla Zdrowia” Foundation performs eye examinations on a WelchAlln VS-100s autorefractometer instrument in a mobile clinic. This device allows for quick and stress-free diagnosis of vision problems in patients from the age of 6 months and older.
In addition, at the mobile clinic, patients can measure their blood sugar levels themselves. The correctness of the measurement is supervised by staff providing instruction and safe conditions for doing so. Diabetes is a global phenomenon, currently nearing pandemic proportions, and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that one in ten adults worldwide is living with diabetes.
There is no charge to take the test, but prior registration is required. You can register in advance of the scheduled test at the same address of testing.
Schedule of tests at the mobile clinic
The “NEUCA dla Zdrowia” Foundation is making every effort to ensure the safety of all patients in the current epidemic situation. Only scheduled appointments will be held at the mobile clinic. We invite patients who are not suspected of being infected with coronavirus and have masks covering their mouths and noses.
[1] https://www.pap.pl/aktualnosci/news%2C337672%2Ceksperci-ponad-250-mln-ludzi-na-swiecie-nie-widzi-lub-widzi-zle.html
[2] Wierzbowska, J., Smorawski, M., & Uram, D. (2021). Indywidualizacja wyboru metody korekcji wady wzroku. OphthaTherapy. Therapies in Ophthalmology, 8 (1), 58-64.
