EyeCare America
Many older Americans and those who are at greater risk for eye disease cannot afford even the most basic eye care. Since 1985, EyeCare America and its 6,000+ volunteer ophthalmologists have helped more than 1.8 million people get the care they need.
"It had been so many years since I had had an eye exam that I was afraid of what I'd find. They were so nice and professional. This was a gift. Thank you." - Sally Gordon, Dothan, Ala. (below, with EyeCare America volunteer Sebastian Heersink, MD)
"I had gone blind in my right eye and was losing my sight in the left by the time I found you for help. I am over 60 now and I help take care of my daughter and her 14-month-old daughter. I couldn't see very well before surgery, and afterwards being able to see her so clearly was indescribable. I am like a little child seeing the world for the first time. Everything is crystal clear." - C. Cross, Parker, Ariz.
"I'm a low-income senior who needed an eye exam after many years of neglecting myself. I worked hard all my life and never dreamed I would be in a position of not being able to afford a simple exam. Thank you for everything you did. I truly appreciate it." - Harlan, Eureka, Calif.
"I thank you and the doctors. Without your program and the wonderful volunteer services, my life would have grown more and more limited. Thank you so very much." - Wanita, Vancouver, Wash.
"I wish to extend my sincere gratitude for making it possible for me to regain my eyesight. I am able to get to work again, and can now support myself in a small way." - Rowell, Schertz, TX
"I have continually used and distributed ECA materials. Almost every week, sometimes more than once a week, I do presentations at health fairs where I share your information with people in the four counties I cover here. Thank you very much." - Rehab specialist, Daytona Beach, Fla.
"We have distributed most of your brochures and use them in our presentations. The information has been invaluable. Thank you." - Program coordinator, Boston, Mass.
Museum of the Eye Welcomes Thousands of Visitors
The American Academy of Ophthalmology Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye® is the world’s only free, public museum dedicated to the fascinating science of sight. The Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye was founded on November 2, 1980 and opened its doors to the public in July 2021.
The Museum of the Eye® had an exciting second year, booking tours and welcoming visitors. As San Francisco’s newest cultural attraction, the museum was invited in December to participate in Free Museum Weekend. Along with twenty-one local art museums and science centers, the museum hosted a two-day event that broke all our attendance records.
Two other initiatives this year will have an even more lasting impact. First the museum added alt text to all 7 of our social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Alt text is a visual description of a photograph or image that can be read by text-to-speech applications. The addition of alt text helps people with low or no vision get a more complete understanding of our content. Next, the museum’s exhibits were translated into three languages, Spanish, Mandarin, and Tagalog. Translations were uploaded as a tour in our app and printed in large type for use inside the galleries. These languages represent the top three languages spoken in San Francisco after English. The museum was excited to institute these changes to make a bigger impact with all our visitors.
