On Feb. 20, 2024, the IU School of Optometry opened a low vision clinic on the campus of the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ISBVI) in Indianapolis. IUSO volunteers evaluated six students and made device and/or glasses recommendations for all of them. IUSO will be working through the details of getting the devices in the hands of the students by utilizing Medicaid benefits, IUSOCO grant funds, and Essilor Changing Life Through Lenses. Also, the Indiana Blind Children’s Foundation (IBCF) will support this partnership by raising funds for the low vision assistive devices recommended for students through the clinic.
The IBCF have helped build a bridge between IUSO and ISBVI to make this clinic possible. Two more clinic days are planned for this spring.
“Our low vision practice primarily includes adults and seniors, so this will be a joy to work with a much younger patient set,” said IUSO Clinical Assistant Professor Dr. Emily Hable, who will work alongside IUSO Clinical Professor Dr. Elli Kollbaum at the clinic. “I look forward to a renewed energy for us as we work with young faces and grow the ISBVI low vision clinic. Children have high energy and adapt quickly to new situations. We are excited to see what they do when we can get some new devices in their hands.”
Great job!