The Optical Vision Site

Optician Karen Flynn Volunteers To Work With Homeless

Project Homeless

Robbie Bell (eyecoach.org) sent us this email about his experiences working with Karen Flynn and Project Homeless;

‘Unfortunately, my words do not do this event or even Karen herself, justice. Because of all the services offered during a PHC event, vision care usually tops the list of most needed service, chaos can usually ensue.  Yet, Karen coordinated every little detail and the event ran like clockwork.  This was my second event with Karen and both times I was truly taken by those being helped.  It’s hard to paint all the recipients with the same brush as each is an individual… men and women, boys and girls, old and young, white, black, asian, hispanic, etc… but I can say what touched me the most was the gentleness and the graciousness  that was exhibited by the recipients.  The genuine smiles and ‘thank you’s’ are food for the heart and soul.  Can you imagine the looks on the faces of  just the 3 people walking around without glasses who are a -9.00, a -11.00 and a -13.00, respectively, now being told that they’ll have new glasses within a few weeks?’

Project Homeless Connect (www.projecthomelessconnect.com) is a non-profit organization.   One of it’s many goals is to improve access to much needed services, like vision care, to those experiencing homelessness in San Francisco.  PHC provides this access to those in need, including children and veterans, every few months.  The last PHC event was held on October 28th.  Over 40 volunteers donated their time and talents.  Donations of product were made by Oliver Peoples, InHouse Eyewear, Sonoma Eyewear and RestoringVision.org (www.restoringvision.org) and lab services are being provided by E Eyewear of Berkeley, CA.

Karen Flynn, an optician at Eye Gotcha Optometric in San Francisco, dedicates an exorbitant amount of her time in organizing the Vision Services division of PHC and is responsible for and orchestrates a group of vision volunteers, including optometrists and opticians, to provide vision care to those in need.

Here’s an excerpt from a recent email from Karen:

““Just wanted to say thanks again for all of your help on Oct 28.  We broke an all-time record.  180 comprehensive eye exams, 116 prescription glasses, and over 400 readers.  Two referrals to Lions Eye Foundation for free surgery, and multiple referrals to San Francisco General Hospital for medical follow-up.

Special thanks to the doctors and to all the 40 plus volunteers who worked all the way through without a break!  Once again, I am amazed at everyone’s flexibility in making the chaotic day a success and at these record setting numbers.  What a group!

I don’t think one can underestimate the value of giving somebody sight, whether maintaining, improving or restoring it.””

With heartfelt thanks,

Karen

The next PHC event is on December 9th.  For those companies and/or individuals looking to lend a hand, volunteers and all kinds of donations are always needed.  If you’re in the San Francisco Bay area and would like to volunteer your time and talents, or if you are out of the area and would like to donate product, machinery (phoropters are always in need), services, etc., please contact Karen Flynn at  karenvflynn2004@yahoo.com

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