Peach State Health Plan Provides Vision Screenings and Prescription Glasses to Students in Northwest Georgia
Date: 11/14/22
ATLANTA (Nov. 14, 2022) – During the month of November, Peach State Health Plan is partnering with the Envolve Vision Van to provide no-cost vision screenings, resources, and education to elementary school students in underserved areas of Northwest Georgia.
Over the last few weeks, Peach State Health Plan and the Envolve Vision Van visited three elementary schools in Murray, Walker, and Whitfield Counties to administer vision screenings to more than 1,500 students. Two to three weeks after their vision screenings, students who require corrective lenses will receive a pair of prescription glasses, by mail and at no charge, courtesy of Peach State Health Plan.
“Peach State Health Plan is committed to providing healthcare services in underserved areas that improve all aspects of individual health, including proper vision care,” said Wade Rakes, President and CEO of Peach State Health Plan. “In Northwest Georgia, access to vision services can be a challenging obstacle for students and parents. The Vision Van helps us bridge that gap to provide this valuable service that improves the quality of life for these young children.”
The Vision Van is a mobile clinic equipped with trained technicians to perform onsite vision screenings for students in underserved areas of Northwest Georgia. Students all receive a no-cost pair of sunglasses with their vision screening results and an eye care information packet for their parents and caregivers with instruction on proper vision care.
“Being able to provide vision screenings from Peach State Health Plan to our students, on campus and at no cost to parents, is extremely impactful to our students,” said Steven Miracle, Chief Executive Officer of Georgia Mountains Health Medical Group. “In Northwest Georgia, driving to an eye screening can be a challenging task for many parents. Having the Vision Van here, at the school, allows us to identify student with vision issue and provided them with glasses they need.”
“It means the world to our students, parents, and those providing care to these children to have their vision tested and glasses provided free of charge,” Sandy Matheson, Development Officer, Primary Healthcare Centers. “These students are from very rural parts of Georgia and may not be able to find or have access to proper vision care. Peach State Health Plan is really helping our community with a vital service for these children.”
The Vision Van has provided thousands of screenings to children, homeless and unsheltered neighbors, as well as rural and urban underserved communities through various vision programs. More than half of those who received a vision screening required prescription or reading glasses.
About Peach State Health Plan
Peach State Health Plan is a Care Management Organization that serves the needs of Georgians through a range of health insurance solutions. Peach State Health Plan serves the Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids® population in partnership with Georgia Families. The organization also focuses on under-insured and uninsured individuals through its federal insurance marketplace plan, Ambetter, and its Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan. Peach State Health Plan is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading multi-line healthcare enterprise. For more information visit www.pshp.com.
About Envolve Vision Van
Envolve Health is an eye care administrator with over 30 years of experience providing comprehensive and affordable eye care services. We serve more than 11 million members across the country with our panel of over 15,000 eye care providers. For more information visit www.envolvehealth.com.
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