2012.02.10
Eye care for the homeless
The Roanoke Times / 2010 file photo
The Rescue Mission’s Dr. G. Wayne Fralin Free Clinic for the Homeless will hold its first walk-in eye clinic next week.
Optometrist Glenn Hermann will see patients on Wednesday beginning at 5 p.m. to provide basic vision exams.
“In 2011, we were only able to do 12 eye exams all year – one per month, so this is a drastic increase,” said Stephanie Sylvester-Johnson, the clinic’s manager, in a news release. “For some of our guests, corrected vision will mean an opportunity to read again, learn new jobs, have more productivity within their current jobs, complete their GED, and attend college. For others this will mean an end to headaches, straining, or exhaustion that comes with poor vision, and just a clearer picture of the world around them.”
Dr. Hermann, who recently closed his private practice to join a group practice, donated an entire exam room and supplies to the Rescue Mission’s Free Clinic. He plans to continue running the eye clinic on a regular basis at the Rescue Mission, according to the news release. Employees of Vistar Eye Center will be also be helping to run the new eye care services.
In addition to the newly added eye care services, the Rescue Mission’s free clinic in southeast Roanoke, provides dental, mental heath and medical care for homeless individuals. In 2011, the clinic had over 14,000 patient visits and provided close to $2.4 million in care.
Sounds like funny math to me. What?, $171 per visit? My office visits to my physician and chiropractor do not cost that much, not by a long shot.
I’m sure Medicare or Medicaid would not be reimburseing thoes rates.
Comment by lori Traskas — February 10, 2012 @ 3:27 pm
I agree with Lori. Sounds like a fantasy world. Most professional medical practices (office based, non surgical)that would gross $2.4 million would likely be the labor of at least 10-12 FULL TIME employees, regardless of job descriptions. These numbers just aren’t realistic for a volunteer staff to produce.
Comment by Roy — February 10, 2012 @ 5:59 pm