Veterans and their family members are invited to receive free eye exams at Oxford American Legion Post 108 on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
At least eight eye doctors, along with technicians and staff, have agreed to donate their services that day to examine people for vision problems, eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma, and other health issues including diabetes and high blood pressure.
A limited supply of reading glasses will be available on-site and given to those who need them.
‘There’s a lot of veterans out there who can’t afford to get an eye exam,? said Rick Moorhead, commander of Post 108. ‘It does my heart good to know there are people out there, especially well-off people like these doctors, who are willing to give up their time to help veterans.?
The event is being sponsored by the Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, The Lourdes J. Aragones Charitable Mission Fund, Inc., the Rotary Club of Oxford, Life Companions, Inc., and Post 108.
‘There’s so many veterans who could use some help and also their families,? said Dr. Jaime Aragones, one of the event’s primary organizers and a member of the Rotary Club of Oxford.
Aragones, who retired last year after practicing ophthalmology for about 50 years, was a lieutenant colonel in the Michigan National Guard and served in Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
No proof of military service will be required to see a doctor at the Oct. 31 event. Moorhead said it’s going to operate strictly on the honor system, but he also acknowledged there’s some room to accommodate other folks who lack the means to pay for this type of care.
‘If somebody’s in need, we’re not going to turn them away,? he said. ‘Anybody that needs an eye exam is welcome.?
‘We have a certain segment of our population that is indigent, they have no insurance, (so) why not help them?? Aragones said. ‘There’s so many things that we can do to help others. We all have an obligation to play a part. There’s always something that we can do for others.?
Aragones, who lives in Rochester Hills, has spent his life giving to those in need.
Over the years, he led 32 medical missions conducting eye exams and surgeries in nine countries.
In addition to eyecare, everyone who attends the Oct. 31 event will also receive a free meal.
‘If you’re there in the morning, you’ll get breakfast,? Moorhead said. ‘If you’re there in the afternoon, you’ll get lunch.?
To schedule an appointment, please call Post 108 at (248) 628-9081.
Post 108 is located at 130 E. Drahner Rd.