LOMA LINDA: Children's hospital receives grant for vision screening

Thousands of underprivileged children from throughout Riverside County are expected to get their vision screened, thanks to a $750,000 grant awarded to Loma Linda University Department of Ophthalmology by the Riverside County Children and Families Commission.
The grant awarded by the commission, also known as First 5 Riverside, creates the Loma Linda University Vision Intervention Program, which aims to provide free comprehensive vision examinations, treatment and corrective lenses to low-income and uninsured children up to age 5 in Riverside County.
First 5, a public entity created by the passage of Proposition 10, provides funding for services designed to create a strong foundation for children through 5 years old, so that they can be successful in school and throughout their lives.
"Discovering, and then assisting with vision problems at a young age is critical to a child's development, and future success in school," said Harry Freedman, executive director of First 5 Riverside. "The First 5 Commission values the partnership with Loma Linda, and the opportunity to provide funds for a critical service where other resources do not exist."
Submitted by Loma Linda University Children's Hospital.