The Prevent Blindness America (PBA) Northwest Region (NW) has actively worked with Delta Gamma Chapters in the States of Washington and Idaho. The Delta Gamma chapters have philanthropy of “service for sight” which fits well with the PBA mission.
The Washington State University Delta Gamma Chapter members received training in 2010 and provided activities for students and their families on the Washington State University campus. Activities included information distribution on contact lens care, children’s vision screening along with UV protection and sports safety posters distributed across the campus. PBA customized posters with the Delta Gamma logo to distribute in strategic locations.
The University of Idaho Delta Gamma Chapter received an orientation to the children’s vision screening program and is considering the implementation of the screening protocols into their program. They currently provide screening in coordination with local schools districts in Moscow, Idaho.
The University of Washington Delta Gamma Chapter has been the most active with the majority of new members trained in the PBA children’s vision screening protocols. The Delta Gamma Seattle Alumni Chapter also participated and members support the chapter house on the University of Washington campus with a number of the ongoing activities. Alumni are also looking to develop relationships with local pharmacies, hospitals and schools for possible implementation of the PBA “Healthy Eyes” and “Star Pupils” Curriculum(s). During the 2011 program year, the chapter adopted two preschools on the University of Washington campus that support the children of university students and faculty. All children at Radford Court and Laurelwood preschools were screened-with a number of children referred for exams. VSP vouchers were provided as needed to families in need. These preschools will be coordinating vision screening with the women of Delta Gamma in an ongoing relationship. Additionally, the Delta Gamma’s have also used the custom designed UV and sports safety protection posters with a wide distribution across the university community.
Lastly, the Portland Suburban Chapter of Delta Gamma will receive a presentation on the PBA children’s vision screening program, along with other PBA resources, at their February 2012 meeting.
