In collaboration with Penn State Ophthalmology Doctors, Penn State College of Medicine Students, and the VSP Eyes of Hope Team, the International Service Center (ISC) organized a vision screening event for newly arrived refugees on Saturday, May 6^th, 2023, from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm at the ISC Center located inside the Market Square Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg.

At this special event, 75 refugees consisting of Afghan and Ukrainian children and adults have benefitted from various eye care services, including free vision screening, complimentary prescription glasses, as well as eye drops.

This ISC community service is made possible thanks to an army of volunteers consisting of 2 benevolent Optometrists, 2 Ophthalmologists, 2 Ophthalmic Technicians, and 4 Resident Physicians from Penn State Medical Center, as well as 19 Medical Students from Penn State University Medical School.  Additionally, a 5-member Team from VSP Eyes of Hope, a charitable mission based in California, provided eye exams and prescription glasses to refugee clients at no cost from their fully equipped Mobile Van Clinic.

With the assistance of 16 Afghan and Ukrainian interpreters, the ISC multilingual staff facilitated the interaction between Limited-English-Proficient refugees and their wonderful Good Samaritans during the entire event.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the unselfish caregivers who have sacrificed a splendid Saturday in May to help the disadvantaged and underprivileged refugees of the world.

Refugee Vision Enhancement Project

TV Interview Benevolent Penn State Medical Center Doctor

Penn State Optometrists Screening Ukrainian Refugees Vision

ISC Staff & VSP Vision Clinic Team

Event Organizing Team. ISC Staff, Vision Van Clinic, PS Doctors, PSU Medical Students & Volunteers

Doctors examining Afghan refugee patients