Cooperative contribution helps Prevent Blindness Oklahoma

July 25, 2012

From Left, Anita Schlaht; Leslie Kraich, PTCI; and Erin Moore, Tri-County Electric. Courtesy Photo

Two local cooperatives came together to contribute funds toward the purchase a special vision screening camera for Prevent Blindness Oklahoma. The organization needs to raise $10,000 to purchase a SPOT computerized photoscreening camera for a local screener to provide free vision screening to children from age 6 months through 12th grade throughout the Panhandle.
Together, Tri-County Electric Cooperative and Panhandle Telephone Cooperative, Inc. made a $1,000 donation toward Prevent Blindness Oklahoma’s purchase of the camera.
“The contribution from the cooperatives gives us a great foundation to bring this camera to the Panhandle,” said Anita Schlaht, director of programs at Prevent Blindness Oklahoma. “We still need to raise $9,000 to purchase the camera so any organization or individual contributions would be appreciated.”
Prevent Blindness Oklahoma currently provides free vision screening to all the school districts in Oklahoma. The special camera will allow the organization to accurately screen one to three-year-old children who are not currently receiving services. Janet Rubio, the local screener for the Panhandle, will perform free vision screenings in area daycare centers, preschools, Mother’s Day Outs and Head Start Centers. The camera can also be used with special needs and three-year-old students in the schools who are unable to be screened with standard screening equipment.
Last year, Prevent Blindness Oklahoma screened 3,735 students in the Panhandle and referred 707 with possible vision problems for a comprehensive exam. The organization also provides vouchers for free exams and glasses for students in need as well as providing screening to children and adults at school, community and corporate health fairs. To learn more about contributing to Prevent Blindness Oklahoma, call 405-848-7123 or visit www.preventblindnessok.org.