If getting your eyes checked was on the top of your list for this weekend, then you have no excuse to not get it done. The Southern Optometry Group will be at the UC Lobby Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. giving free examinations.
Prescriptions will not be given out, but the examiners will be referring people to professionals who can write them prescriptions.
Getting eye examinations once a year, as recommended by some optometrists, could cost up to $50 each visit.
According to Jennifer Harris, a receptionist at Lens Crafters, an exam costs $49. Nina Akins, a receptionist at Eye Masters, said their eye exam costs $48.
Senior Tashara McDade said the reason she gets her eyes checked regularly is to make sure any problems she might have will be detected early.
"The last time I went, they said that certain diseases can mess up your eyes," McDade said.
"African Americans are more prone to strokes. That's why I need to get my eyes checked -- to see later on in life."
Student Health Services health educator Jacqueline DeFouw said depending on the shape of the fundus‚ the area in the back of the
eye, optometrists can locate certain illnesses.
"Sometimes we can detect, by looking in the eye field, changes in the fundus, diabetes, hypertension and AIDS," DeFouw said. "However, further testing is needed. The main thing they're looking for are visual changes."
The primary objective, though, is to search for things like myopia, near-sightedness hyperopia, and far-sightedness. They will also be screening for problems with the movement of the eye muscles and for color blindness.
"They'll be checking for acuity, motility of the eye muscles (and) color blindness," DeFouw said.
