( continued from page 23 )
Impact to Community
In Kentucky , affordable eyeglasses are a significant concern . Over 1.2 million people are under Medicaid insurance , which only covers eyeglasses for those up to age 21 . Additionally , 943,424 people were enrolled in Medicare in 2020 , with 61 % under Traditional Part A and B , which do not offer coverage for routine vision exams or glasses . As a result , many individuals delay or go without vision care due to cost .
Through the partnership with the Goodwill Industries of Kentucky , the ReSpectacle Louisville chapter has been able to collect 8,098 pairs of glasses citywide since 2022 . UofL student volunteers have worked to sort , clean , photograph and categorize the great variety of eyewear collected which includes prescription glasses , reading glasses and sunglasses . Over one thousand serviceable pairs of prescription glasses have been forwarded to ReSpectacle headquarters for worldwide distribution . 1,491 prescription glasses have been forwarded to the Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation for local redistribution , and 2,036 reading glasses have been forwarded to Goodwill for resale in support of their mission . We have collected 520 pairs of sunglasses to donate at no cost to underserved populations within the local community .
This increased access to affordable glasses greatly enhances the quality of life for those in need . Proper vision care allows individuals to perform daily activities such as reading , driving and working with greater ease and safety . Improved vision can also reduce the frequency of headaches and eye strain . For children and students , having the correct prescription glasses can improve academic performance by enabling them to see the board and read clearly . For adults , particularly those in the workforce , clear vision is essential for productivity and job performance .
Looking ahead , the chapter aims to replicate this model at other universities , beginning with Kentucky , by establishing similar com-
24 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE
munity partnerships such as at the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pikeville . These future plans are designed to broaden the impact of ReSpectacle , ensuring that more communities can benefit from affordable vision care and furthering the cause of health equity . Furthermore , ReSpectacle Louisville Chapter President and MD / MBA candidate , Lily Wilding , plans to pursue a capstone MBA project to facilitate the redistribution of prescription glasses from the online standpoint .
Conclusions
The partnership between the ReSpectacle Louisville chapter , Goodwill Industries of Kentucky and the ULSOM Department of Ophthalmology exemplifies the power of collaboration in reducing health disparities . By focusing on redistributing good used prescription eyeglasses , this initiative has made significant strides in improving access to vision care for underserved populations . The continued efforts and future plans of the Louisville chapter promise to extend this impact even further , bringing hope and improved vision to more individuals in need . Through dedication and community engagement , ReSpectacle is making a tangible difference in the lives of many , one pair of glasses at a time , and promoting health equity in vision care .
Lily Wilding is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Louisville School of Medicine planning to obtain an MBA and apply for residency in emergency medicine .
Khoi Do is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Louisville School of Medicine planning to apply for residency in ophthalmology .
In addition to collection and redistribution , the ReSpectacle Louisville chapter has significantly impacted the local community by hosting tables at local community health fairs such as the Redeemer Health Fair and Sojourn Midtown Health Clinic . Volunteers at the tables not only give away resources educating community members on how to get connected to affordable eyewear through ReSpectacle but also provide resources on how to get established with long-term eye care with UofL ophthalmologists . In this way , the ReSpectacle Louisville chapter encourages the development of routine eye care that has the potential to diagnose and treat chronic eye diseases such as myopia , glaucoma , diabetic retinopathy and cataracts before they lead to permanent vision loss .
Future Plans