Our Vision for the Future, January 2026 by Eye & Ear Foundation of Pittsburgh

2025 Inaugural Community Vision

Day

Expanding Access to Eye Care for All

The UPMC Vision Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh held its first Community Vision Day on December 6th. Vision screenings, eye health evaluations, and exams for vision conditions were offered for children and adults with or without insurance.

The UPMC Vision Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh’s outreach strategy is defined by an unwavering commitment to serving underserved populations. By harnessing innovations such as the “virtual hospital" (eyeVan) and expanding mobile care initiatives (Eyes on Wheels), the Department is breaking through traditional barriers in healthcare delivery. These programs are designed to bring care directly to those who need it most—particularly the elderly and individuals who struggle with transportation challenges.

Collaboration lies at the heart of this strategy. Partnerships with local community organizations and dedicated patient navigators have been instrumental in supporting hundreds of patients confronting obstacles such as food insecurity and limited mobility These alliances amplify the department’s reach, ensuring that care extends beyond the walls of the clinic and addresses the real-world challenges patients face.

Central to the outreach strategy is a targeted focus on social determinants of health. The department’s initiatives are not only compassionate but are also data-driven. Research led by Andrew Williams, MD, has evidenced that loss to follow-up in glaucoma patients can triple the risk of blindness— a sobering insight that guides the design of patient engagement interventions. By analyzing the impact of social factors and crafting solutions tailored to those with complex, chronic conditions, the ophthalmology team is making measurable strides in improving follow-up rates and, ultimately, patient outcomes.

The Vision Institute’s strategic vision centers on combining innovation, strong community partnerships, and rigorous research to break down barriers. As these outreach efforts evolve, the Department continues to set new standards in ensuring equitable access and promoting eye health for all.

Identifying Loss to Follow-Up and Addressing Social Needs to Improve Access to Eye Care: Andrew M. Williams, MD, and the Healthy Vision Lab

Glaucoma is a challenging ailment to manage. It is typically asymptomatic but discreetly causes irreversible vision loss, usually slowly. The stability of a patient’s glaucoma must be evaluated at periodic intervals with clinical examinations and ancillary testing to assess progression and to ascertain response to treatment.

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Patient Navigator

Program to Improve Access to Eye Care:

A One-of-a-kind Program to Address Social Determinants of Health in Ophthalmology

Dana McGinnis-Thomas, MHA, joined the Department of Ophthalmology in 2021 as its inaugural Patient Navigator, a unique position that connects patients in need with community resources to improve access to eye care.

Transforming Eye Care Through Remote Access

Remote care is revolutionizing eye health by making services more accessible and equitable for all.

Eyeglass Drive

The UPMC Community Ophthalmology and Remote Access Programs (CORAP) team facilitated a large-scale glasses drive at Washington High School (WHS) on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Supported by volunteers from UPMC Optometry, CORAP provided updated prescriptions to 122 underserved students in grades 10-12 and ordered 102 pairs of glasses for them via Changing Lives Through Lenses.

The Eye & Ear Foundation of Pittsburgh, an independent 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in 1985 to foster philanthropic support for the Departments of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh. The goal is to keep moving forward, expanding EEF’s support network, and helping the Departments achieve unparalleled distinction in research, education, outreach, and patient care.