At the Virginia Eye Institute, we believe in sharing our knowledge, expertise and time with those who are in need in our community. Below, you’ll find some of the outreach programs we participate in.
Cataract Mission
For the 17th consecutive year, VEI offered a free eye-screening day for cataracts – as well as 20 free cataract surgeries to those who are most in need. Next year's screening and surgery days will be in February 2011 and applications will be accepted starting December 1, 2010. Please call (804) 287.4905 (804) 287.4905 or email info@vaeye.com to apply.
Dining in the Dark
Dining in the Dark is a rare and unique sensory awareness experience that will take guests on a journey of taste, sound, and touch... all in the dark. Dining in the Dark gives thousands of people a chance to peek into an unfamiliar world while raising money to help fund research that will prevent/cure blindness caused by degenerative retinal diseases. The dinner, honoring Virginia Eye Institute's own Byron S. Ladd, M.D. and Paul and Diane Manning from PBM Products, will be held Thursday, April 29, 2010 at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa at Short Pump Town Center. The reception will be from 6:00 - 7:00 P.M., dinner and awards will be 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. Cocktail attire. Click here for sponsorship information.
Community Glaucoma Screening Event
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, but early treatment can often prevent loss of sight. To help prevent glaucoma within Virginia, the Virginia Eye Institute offered free, walk-in glaucoma screenings and physician consults in both the Richmond and Petersburg areas. Additional health screenings, ranging from blood pressure checks to glucose levels, were also made available by both Bon Secours and HCA. Access Now provided information and consulting for individuals without insurance on how to get the care they needed This year's Community Glaucoma Screening will be on Saturday, July 24, 2010 at the Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Petersburg, VA. To learn more, email info@vaeye.com.
Vision Walk
Since 2009, VEI has been the lead sponsor for the Foundation Fighting Blindness’ Vision Walk. Money raised helps fund research to prevent/cure degenerative retinal diseases. The date for the 2010 Richmond Vision Walk is Saturday, October 16, 2010. To learn how you can join the fight against blindness, click here or email info@vaeye.com.
Family Health and Fun Fair
This event focused on promoting good health to residents in the Tri-Cities area. The day included food, drinks and games, was free to Tri-Cities residents, and featured 32 health vendors from the community. With over 400 people from the community joining the festivities, it was a very successful event. To learn more, email info@vaeye.com.
International Hospital for Children (IHC)
Virginia Eye Institute is a proud sponsor and participant of the International Hospital for Children (IHC). IHC is a nonprofit humanitarian organization linking worldwide pediatric surgical, diagnostic and preventative resources to heal critically ill children in developing countries. IHC also helps build indigenous health care capacity -- saving lives now while transforming pediatric health outcomes for years to come. Click here for more information about IHC.
Additional Outreach
VEI doctors donate their time to help others in need, both in Richmond and outside of the country. Our associates give to the Salvation Army through Holiday Socks and Angel Tree, the Richmond Red Cross, the Central Virginia Food Bank, and participate in the Start! Richmond Heart Walk.