For immediate release

Date: July 31, 2001

Re: Vision Stations bring eye care into low-income neighborhoods

Many Houston families have no way to get affordable eye exams and eyeglasses.

NOW InFOCUS, COMMUNITY MINISTRIES, A LOCAL OPTICAL COMPANY, AND PUBLIC-SPIRITED EYE DOCTORS HAVE TEAMED UP TO BRING THE JOY OF HEALTHY EYES AND CLEAR VISION TO NEEDY FAMILIES. Churches and ministries provide the sites, CVO, Inc. provides low-cost eyeglasses, eye doctors provide free or reduced-fee exams, and InFOCUS provides training, start-up supplies, and on-site assistance.

Each Vision Station offers free assessment, referral to eye doctors, and -- if the patient needs eyeglasses -- dispenses low-cost, quality eyeglasses for as little as $25 a pair.

"Today service providers have a new resource for needy children and adults who need vision care. Six neighborhood Vision Stations are up and running, and more are on the way," states InFOCUS program coordinator Mary Villarreal. "Any organization serving the poor can set up and operate a Vision Station. We work with each program every step of the way."

Houston area Vision Stations:
Lord of the Streets Episcopal Church, serving downtown Houston
St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, Galena Park area
St. John Vianney Catholic Church, west Houston
MANNA (Ministry Assistance of NW Alliance) near northwest
Matagorda Episcopal Hospital Outreach Program (mobile unit in Matagorda County)
Shalom Zone Mobile Ministries, based at the Epworth-Parker United Methodist Church