Vision Quest

by Deesha Dyer

health The sad connection between one disadvantage and another is no clearer than between good eye care and literacy. At least that's the opinion of the Junior League of Philadelphia, which established itself in 1912 to work on various projects bringing much-needed services to local communities. From preparing kids for college to running a thrift shop in Ardmore, the women's group and its estimated 1,000 members have built a reputation for helping others. "JLP is organized volunteering," says Emily Newmark, director of new members. "We realize that we can make a bigger difference this way and have a huge impact in Philadelphia." They are currently concentrating on addressing the literacy problems within the underprivileged neighborhoods in Philadelphia.

The newest members, under the direction of Newmark, will join with Vision Service Plan (VSP) to present a dynamic local event, "Get Focused on Vision and Literacy," to promote healthy vision in Philadelphia-area children this Saturday. Newmark explains, "The provisionals [new members] are incorporating literacy into their projects. If you can't see, you can't read. This is to help in the process learning how to read, which all ties back to literacy." There will be free vision assessments for those 18 and younger, conducted by doctors and optometric interns from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Qualified children in need of follow-up care will be referred for a complete exam and glasses, if needed, through VSP's Sight for Students program. In addition to the screenings, there will be local celebrity book readings, sports giveaways and educational displays. "Get Focused on Vision and Literacy," Sat., April 9, noon, free, Church of the Advocate, 1801 W. Diamond St., 610-645-9696.