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For three years, Mission of Mercy 51��Ʒ��Ƶsburgh has hosted a two-day clinic providing free dental care to the underserved members of the community. This year, free vision care was also offered, courtesy of the Department of Ophthalmology at the 51��Ʒ��Ƶ.

When patients arrived for the dental clinic, they were offered a free vision exam. Of the estimated 1,000 patients seen at the event, a third opted to have their eyes checked. Almost 300 pairs of glasses were ordered, and 100 patients need follow up for more serious vision issues. Appointments were made for dozens of patients at the Eye Center.

“One gentleman told me he had not had an eye exam since 1987 and did not expect to have one since he was only anticipating dental care,” said Dana McGinnis-Thomas, a Department of Ophthalmology patient navigator. “He was thrilled.”