Nonprofit Group to Open Vision Clinic

A nonprofit organization that serves the medical needs of residents in the northeast San Fernando Valley will open a new vision clinic in Pacoima on Friday.

The clinic, sponsored by MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity), will provide basic vision care, including eye exams and eyeglasses, to uninsured residents, officials said.

“This has been a real missing link for low-income, uninsured people in this area of the Valley,” said Marianne Haver Hill, executive director of MEND.

Previously, MEND referred patients to Valley Community Clinic in North Hollywood, the only other Valley clinic that offers free or low-cost vision services, said Linda Amador, program director for MEND.

State Sen. Richard Alarcon (D-Sylmar) helped create a coalition of organizations to fund the project. Lion’s Club International donated half of the $46,000 start-up costs. The remainder was donated by Los Angeles-area Lion’s Clubs, county Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, the Ahmanson Foundation and an anonymous donor.

The San Fernando Valley Optometric Society will coordinate the volunteer optometrists.

MEND serves an average of 20,000 people a month, providing services from food distribution to English as a Second Language classes. MEND officials expect 30 to 40 patients a month to use the vision clinic, which is at 13460 Van Nuys Blvd.

Initially, appointments will be available Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, twice a month, based on the availability of volunteers, officials said.

Although services are free, a $2 donation is suggested. For more information call (818) 896-0246.