Expanding Vision Care in East Los Angeles

Maria Miranda has been working with the grassroots organization East LA Rising for 17 years. So, she knows all too well the barriers that people in her community face when trying to access vision care. In fact, her family recently experienced some of this firsthand when her husband and granddaughter both had issues with their vision at the same time.

When Maria’s granddaughter, Alexis, broke her glasses, the family couldn’t afford another pair. “It’s already been two pairs this year,” Maria says. “So, the cost is a lot for my daughter.”

Around the same time, Maria’s husband, Armando, began rapidly losing his eyesight. This led to multiple falls and made it hard for him to recognize people. He couldn’t even see the cursor on his computer screen when he tried to research possible causes, and he doesn’t have a regular eye doctor to consult.

In addition to the costs and a lack of providers, Maria notes that long wait times, juggling work schedules, and transportation issues make it far more difficult for people in her area to access vision services. To help bridge the gaps, East LA Rising has partnered with Helen Keller Intl for more than two decades to provide no-cost vision screenings and, for those who need them, prescription glasses.

Helen Keller works with schools and other community organizations in four states across the US to help families protect their sight.  We know that the spillover effects of poor vision can be long-lasting and even devastating.  Adults may be unable to earn an income or keep themselves safe.  And children with vision problems, which may go undiagnosed for years, often have trouble in school – something that Ana Arujo, Executive Director of East LA Rising, has seen many times.

“What we find is that schools may look for a lot of reasons why the child isn’t doing well, and it was as simple as he can’t see,” says Ana.

Initially, vision screenings at East LA Rising were open only to students, but so many adults expressed interest that services were eventually expanded to all ages. Ana says seniors and families living on fixed incomes have told her the no-cost screenings and glasses are “life-changing,” and they’ve become increasingly popular.

“Last year, we started with one session, but we had so many people on the waitlist that we had to add two more.”

Ana Arujo, Executive Director of East LA Rising

“Last year, we started with one session,” she says. “But we had so many people on the waitlist that we had to add two more.”

Maria brought both Alexis and Armando to this year’s screening event, which was held at the Maravilla Housing Project’s community center. After a brief screening to confirm her prescription, Alexis picked out a new pair of frames. She was thrilled to find a pair of sparkly pink glasses that she can’t wait to wear.

“As long as she’s able to find what she likes and it’s going to help her in school, it’s awesome,” Maria says.

Armando also had a vision screening, but instead of a prescription, he received a referral.  The optometrist suspects that cataracts – one of the most common causes of blindness worldwide – are behind his sudden vision changes. So, Armando will need to see a specialist for a more in-depth examination and to discuss treatment options. He appreciates that Helen Keller provides a direct referral to a specialist, as it helps lift the burden of searching for information and vision care providers.

“This makes it way easier,” Armando says, “They directed me straight to where I could go and get help.”

Ana says these events demonstrate how vital vision services are. And she appreciates the support that the generous Helen Keller community provides in making them possible.

“I have families who are in tears when they put on those eyeglasses and can finally see and focus. It’s quite touching,” she says. “I wish your supporters could see this personally, but I do want them to know that they are truly making a difference.”