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New Programs
- PBNC Vision Van
- Western Career College Vision Screening Education Program
- Fundus Camera Pilot Project
PBNC Vision Van 
In 2007 Prevent Blindness Northern California received a generous grant to buy a small van and some essential equipment in order to expand our outreach. As a result, since August 1, 2007 we have utilized this transportation to reach and educate approximately 6 times as many vision screeners than during the same period last year. Additionally, in 2008 we are preparing a vigorous schedule to provide on-sight Adult Vision Screening clinics in a diverse group of under served communities. Many thanks to our funders for their very generous contribution to make certain PBNC can provide services where they are needed!
Western Career College Vision Screening Education Program
Community College Partnership
In 2005-06, PBNC partnered with the San Leandro branch of Western Career College (WCC) to launch an educational pilot project which has proven to be very fruitful. PBNC instructs WCC’s student Vocational Nurses (VN’s) on the importance and correct techniques of preschool vision screening. After completing the practicum, the VN’s perform vision screenings in community pre-schools as part of their clinical rotations. As a result, local preschools receive this valuable service free of charge, and the VN’s enter the medical job market with the skills and motivation to perform valid children’s vision screening.
This semester the student VN’s screened over 400 children. We have just finished the Fall 2007 term working with our 3rd group of VN’s, and are impressed with the enthusiasm and professionalism exhibited by the VN students, many of whom speak 2nd languages and communicate well with the highly diverse racial and cultural population in Alameda County. We have arranged to replicate this project at the WCC San Jose campus in January 2008.
Coming Soon! - Fundus Camera Pilot Screening Project
We are in the process of purchasing a portable Fundus camera. Stay tuned for more details.