FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Kathy Bell
610-603-5559
PRESIDENTIAL AWARD GIVEN TO PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAM THANKS TO EFFORTS BY BERKS EYE PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS LTD. OPHTHALMOLOGISTS
Work to restore seniors’ vision by Drs. Domenic C. Izzo Jr., Peter D. Calder, and Francisco L. Tellez gain EyeCare America a Volunteer Service Award from President Barack Obama.
[Wyomissing, PA] – November 20, 2015 – The doctors of Berks Eye Physicians and Surgeons, LTD volunteer with EyeCare America to restore vision for seniors. Thanks to the sight-saving contributions of these dedicated volunteers, the national public service program has just received the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
EyeCare America, a program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is one of the largest public service programs in American medicine. In Pennsylvania, over the last 30 years, the program has helped more than 34,350 people obtain access to medical eye care and resources through 367 volunteer ophthalmologists.
The program was recently recognized by the President’s Volunteer Service Award which is the premier volunteer awards program, encouraging citizens to live a life of service through presidential gratitude and national recognition.
“Thank you for helping to address the most pressing needs in your community and our country,” wrote President Obama in a letter that accompanied the Award. “Your volunteer service demonstrates the kind of commitment to your community that moves America a step closer to its great promise.”
“Losing vision can be devastating, but some seniors may think it’s inevitable due to their age and suffer in silence rather than seeking help,” said Dr. Domenic C. Izzo, Jr. “Today, we are very fortunate to have several treatments to help stop and even restore vision loss for older Americans”, noted Dr. Francisco L. Tellez. Dr. Peter D. Calder of Berks Eye Physicians and Surgeons LTD added, “It’s an honor to be part of a national program that helps make it so much easier for seniors to access these treatments, and I’m pleased that our work has helped gain recognition of EyeCare America from the President.”
Those interested in the program can see if they qualify for a sight-saving eye exam and care at no out-of-pocket cost by visiting EyeCare America’s online referral center at www.eyecareamerica.org. This online referral center also allows friends and family members to find out if their loves ones are eligible to be matched with an EyeCare America volunteer ophthalmologist.
About EyeCare America
Established in 1985, EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is committed to the preservation of sight, accomplishing its mission through public service and education. EyeCare America provides year-round eye care services to medically underserved seniors and those at increased risk for eye disease. More than 90 percent of the care made available is provided at no out-of-pocket cost to the patients. EyeCare America is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation Inc., with additional support provided by Alcon and Genentech. More information can be found at www.eyecareamerica.org.