Pocono News Section

New Eye Care Clinic Opens in Poconos

New Eye Care Clinic Opens in Poconos - Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 4:51PM EST

SNYDERSVILLE - There's now hope for people who need eye care and glasses but can't afford them in the Poconos. A brand new eye care clinic for uninsured and under insured patients is now open in Monroe County. It's on Manor Road in Snydersville.
Robert Snyder wasn't sure he could afford to go to an eye doctor. He explained, "I got laid off in January and our insurance ran out."

Robert thought he might have to sell his truck to pay for the doctor visit and glasses. "I really can't see too good without them," he said. Then he discovered the Visual Impairment and Blindness Services' new Eye Care Clinic in Snydersville. "It's a blessing because I wouldn't know where to go. I couldn't afford it."

Doctor Kristen Roseman takes care of the patients at the clinic. She works at a discounted rate because vision issues are important to her. Her father was born legally blind. It took decades before he got a special device that helped him see. She said, "It made a huge difference. The world kind of opened up to him so I wanted to offer that to other people."

This year the clinic expects to see about 500 patients. Next year the managers say they expect it to grow even more. Manager Cindy Starner said, "I hate to say that we need this to expand but I think we really do."

She hopes to eventually raise enough money to help people like Robert several days a week. The clinic is funded by the annual Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser and vaccine maker Sanofi Pasteur.

To learn more about the clinic or to make an appointment call 570-992-7787.