In 2001, the Illinois Eye Institute established Vision of Hope, a community service program that provides comprehensive eye care to the uninsured and underinsured in Chicago. In its first year, working with 16 partnering agencies, the Illinois Eye Institute was able to provide examinations, glasses, other devices, relevant health information and follow-up care to more than 1,300 patients who otherwise would not have received any vision care. These individuals are treated with the same respect and attention provided to all IEI patients. The results have been significant, with many cases of individuals who have improved the quality of their lives and eliminated pain through the care and treatment offered.

Vision of Hope is funded by a combination of public and private sources. Private support makes up the majority of the budget. In the coming years, IEI hopes to expand the program to include children and all adults. (Currently the Vision of Hope program is extended only to adults age forty or older.) We believe this is a critical step because of the high incidence of eye disease among the uninsured and underinsured populations.

top