Roberta Ross of Hazelwood was among participants at BVRS’ free vision screenings recently at the Waterfront Eat’n Park Restaurant.

“It’s just fantastic that BVRS offered these screenings,” Mrs. Ross said. “It’s a great service to the community. I was worried about having macular degeneration because my mother had it, and I understand that it’s hereditary, but I found out that I’m fine. It was a great relief.”

A BVRS team of trained specialists screened adults for visual acuity and macular degeneration, a condition associated with aging that gradually destroys the sharp, central vision that is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. Macular degeneration affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows a person to see fine detail, and causes no pain.

Children 3-6 years old were screened for visual acuity, color blindness, and muscle balance for conditions such as amblyopia, often called lazy eye, and nystagmus, which is a form of involuntary eye movement.
The screenings were conducted in partnership with Eat’n Park Restaurants.