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Thanks to a new partnership with InFOCUS and Visual Compassion, NAM will soon offer free vision screenings and low-cost eyewear in its resale stores! In February, NAM will open vision stations at its resale stores on FM 1960 and Jones Rd. A third vision station is set to open soon at Corner Resale in NAM’s mail building on Kuykendahl. The vision stations offer free vision screenings, referrals, and low cost eyeglasses.

InFOCUS began in 1987 as an outreach project of the University of Houston College of Optometry. The organization’s mission is to help disadvantaged people get the eye care and eyeglasses they need to lead healthy and productive lives. INFOCUS has teamed up with Visual Compassion, a Christian ministry attacking poverty by providing low-cost eye care services and entry-level job training opportunities for the working poor, to provide affordable eyeglasses.

The two groups achieve their missions by setting up vision stations in underserved communities. The vision stations are established in familiar, community-oriented places such as churches, clinics, thrift stores or social service agencies. This makes it easy for families to access the vision stations and to return to pick up their glasses. Each vision station offers state based vision screenings, and focometry vision screenings that help determine the person’s prescription.

When vision problems are detected, the individual will be counseled on how to use the existing social system. Beyond screening and referrals, the vision station sells quality prescription glasses for $10 and bifocals for $25 to anyone with a valid eyeglass prescription. The glasses are made by individuals who have overcome addiction and incarceration and are being trained through Visual Compassion’s job training ministry.

Dr. Joseph Dollak, CEO of Visual Compassion and InFOCUS, is excited about the new partnership. “NAM is a perfect fit for the Vision Station program, which is geared at bringing entry point vision services into the roots of communities. With NAM's strong community ties, the Vision Stations will be able to reach the needs of thousands more.”

According to Dr. Dollak, one in four people have vision problems and this is the number one hindrance to learning for students. He shares a story of a homeless man who came to his eye clinic in the Third Ward. “This man had put off taking his Journeyman's electrician test for over a year because he could not see the test. About a month and a half ago, he got a pair of glasses through Visual Compassion. Last week he passed his test, and has found employment! As soon as he gets his first paycheck, he will be off the streets!”

NAM was first introduced to this innovative project through a corporate donor, “AMPCO (Atlantic Methanol)”. The company became a supporter of NAM in late 2010 and quickly connected us with Visual Compassion, another cause they support. To AMPCO, the partnership seemed a perfect match. AMPCO Contracts and Governance Coordinator Sharon Tibbs says, “AMPCO understands NAM’s mission to the community and Visual Compassion’s resource is to meet the visual needs of the underprivileged people in our community. The collaboration, with the aid of dedicated staff and volunteers, will bring a much needed change to our community and neighbors.

“AMPCO operates one of the largest and lowest cost methanol plants in the world. The company located in Equatorial Guinea, West Africa and has been producing chemical grade methanol from the natural gas produced off Bioko Island since 2001. Their local office is in the Greenspoint area. According to Ms. Tibbs, “The foundation of AMPCO’s mission is to strengthen and establish our community through charities which enhance the quality of life and establish a new sense of pride.”

NAM is thrilled to have such a strong corporate supporter, and such a wonderful new eye care partnership. “The vision stations are a wonderful way for NAM to provide low cost eyecare to Neighbors in Need,” says NAM President & CEO Carole Little. “We are so grateful to AMPCO for introducing us to this wonderful program, and to Visual Compassion for making it happen. This is a great addition to the array of social services NAM offers.”NAM is a nonprofit, community-based social service agency that is supported by over 50 congregations, 18 Service Partner organizations and more than 160 businesses Community Partners.