Portland, Ore. -- A national vision care provider that insures tens of millions of people brought its free eye clinic through Portland on Monday, to treat people without insurance.
VSP started the Mobile Eyes free clinics after Hurricane Katrina, and it has served more than a million people. It continues to help people after natural disasters, but has branched out to help people in need on a daily basis.
Larry Fernandez hopes his exam and free eye glasses help him find a job.
“It’ll actually help me be able to fill out an application, and see for one -- and just be able to enjoy life, to see the things that you can’t see because you can’t see,” said Fernandez.
Local provider optometrists work with the insurance company and local non-profits to make the free clinics a reality.
For VSP’s clinic operations manager, the reward comes in witnessing people see, and do better.
“I think it’s wonderful, I so enjoy seeing the people being able to see and know that they’re going to make a difference,” said Lori Fanning.
The Mobile Eyes free clinic runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Thursday, September 15, at Transition Projects, 665 Northwest Hoyt Street, in Portland.