Xandria, a five-year-old kinder- garten student at T.R. Simmons who suf- fers from vision problems, recently re- ceived a gift from Sigh Savers, a nonprofit that serves Alabama, Mississippi and Lou- isiana by providing tools to increase chil- dren’s ability to see. Photo by: Rachel Davis

Children attending the clinic had been prescreened and referred to Sight Savers America by Vision Research Corporation, Focus First, Sight Savers School Vision Screenings, and school nurses in the Perry County area. For many of these children, our annual eye clinic is their only option for routine eye care.

Sight Savers returned to Marion on May 4 to deliver eyeglasses to the 59 children who had received a glasses prescription at the clinic.  Lenscrafters representatives were on-site to fit and adjust each child’s glasses as they were delivered. There were many big smiles that day, as lots of these children were receiving their very first pair of glasses, enabling them to finally see things clearly.

On April 13-15 2012 Sight Savers America was fortunate to send two staff members and three Americorps members to volunteer at the Songs for Sight camp for the visually impaired at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin. The three day camp consisted of fun and educational activities for children with visual impairments and their families. The children were introduced to activities not usually accessible for those with visual impairments. They were able to take boat rides, play in a tree house, attempt a ropes course, attend group sessions, and most importantly interact with other children sharing some of the same disabilities.

“We were very fortunate to be able to volunteer at this event. I made many new friends and strengthened my relationships with some old ones. It was amazing to see just how full of life these kids are. They do not let their vision, or lack thereof, inhibit them from exploring all aspects of life. These children taught me so much more than I could ever teach them and I look forward to the event next year.” Sight Savers America Low Vision Coordinator Carter Naftel

SSA Volunteers Include: Leigh Downs – Low Vision Department Manager, Loree Killebrew – Americaorps, Low Vision Coordinator, Whitney Bell – Americorps, Low Vision Coordinator, Andrea Harris – Americorps, Eye Care Coordinator, Carter Naftel – Low Vision Coordinator/Graphic Designer/Web Producer