Conexus asks for local optometrists to donate their time
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- 8News is partnering with Conexus to help give free eye exams and glasses to children in need across Central Virginia -- but this time around, Conexus is asking the for the public's help. The work that Conexus does is expanding every year. As the need continues to grow, it cannot be done without optometrists, who play a very important role in the development of a child. 8News caught up with Dr. Melissa Moeller at Miles Jones Elementary School as she talked about a specific child she helped that brought the importance of this work into focus. She has been involved with Conexus as an optometrist for over four years. "He was terribly, terribly nearsighted, and couldn't see past the end of his nose," Dr. Moeller said. "I held some lenses out for him and he stopped crying and smiled. And I thought, what a scary world it is when you're five years old and you get dropped off at school and you can't see anything but six inches in front of you." Conexus Gift of Light campaign brings clear vision to Hopewell students 8News was also able to speak with Dr. Kristen Jarrell, who was giving eye exams to students at Bellevue Elementary, as she described why working with Conexus is so uplifting. "Being able to help children in their young years with their learning, and starting off to be able to see, I think is, is one of the most rewarding things that I could ask for," Dr. Jarrell said. "I'm a mom myself and being able to help them in school and out of school, it's just been life changing for me personally." When asked what they would say to other optometrists to get them to donate a couple of days each month to help Conexus, Dr. Jarell and Dr. Moeller had nothing but positive perspectives to share. "Just do it," Dr. Moeller said. "I mean honestly, this is my fun day... I don't even feel like this is work." "I think being able to know that you're helping is heartwarming. And, you know, you're making a complete difference in this child's life," Dr. Jarrell added. If you are an optometrist and you can help Conexus, please contact them at Tim@ConexusVision.org or by calling 804-423-2020. For more information about Conexus, their Gift of Light campaign and how to donate, visit this page on the 8News website.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- 8News is partnering with Conexus to help give free eye exams and glasses to children in need across Central Virginia -- but this time around, Conexus is asking the for the public's help.
The work that Conexus does is expanding every year. As the need continues to grow, it cannot be done without optometrists, who play a very important role in the development of a child.
8News caught up with Dr. Melissa Moeller at Miles Jones Elementary School as she talked about a specific child she helped that brought the importance of this work into focus. She has been involved with Conexus as an optometrist for over four years.
"He was terribly, terribly nearsighted, and couldn't see past the end of his nose," Dr. Moeller said. "I held some lenses out for him and he stopped crying and smiled. And I thought, what a scary world it is when you're five years old and you get dropped off at school and you can't see anything but six inches in front of you."
Conexus Gift of Light campaign brings clear vision to Hopewell students
8News was also able to speak with Dr. Kristen Jarrell, who was giving eye exams to students at Bellevue Elementary, as she described why working with Conexus is so uplifting.
"Being able to help children in their young years with their learning, and starting off to be able to see, I think is, is one of the most rewarding things that I could ask for," Dr. Jarrell said. "I'm a mom myself and being able to help them in school and out of school, it's just been life changing for me personally."
When asked what they would say to other optometrists to get them to donate a couple of days each month to help Conexus, Dr. Jarell and Dr. Moeller had nothing but positive perspectives to share.
"Just do it," Dr. Moeller said. "I mean honestly, this is my fun day... I don't even feel like this is work."
"I think being able to know that you're helping is heartwarming. And, you know, you're making a complete difference in this child's life," Dr. Jarrell added.
If you are an optometrist and you can help Conexus, please contact them at Tim@ConexusVision.org or by calling 804-423-2020.
For more information about Conexus, their Gift of Light campaign and how to donate, visit this page on the 8News website.
