Ever Wonder How Hope Alliance Operates Vision Clinics?

Hope Alliance's clinics are nearly entirely operated by volunteers. Our highly trained and experienced eye doctors dedicate their skills and knowledge to performing eye exams, while our team of trained community members perform all of the pre-exam assessments. Through training and repeated patient care, our volunteers have become experts at confidently using our optometric clinic equipment.

Step 1 - Registration

Upon arrival at the clinic, the patient is seen first by a volunteer who collects the patient’s demographic information, medical history, and information about any new or existing vision issues.  

If the patient already wears eyeglasses, the volunteer uses a Lensometer to determine the exact prescription of the patient’s current glasses.

Step 2 - Visual Acuity

After a patient is registered, their next stop is at the Visual Acuity chart or eye chart. 

This test is used to determine the smallest letters or images you can see on a standardized chart from 20 feet away.

Step 3 - QuickSee

The next test uses a QuickSee, a handheld autorefractor.  This test quickly provides an objective measurement of a patient's refractive error and an estimate of their prescription. 

Step 4 - Autorefractor

An autorefractor, or automated refractor, is a computer-controlled device used during an eye exam to measure how light is affected as it passes through the eye. The test provides an objective measurement of a person's refractive error, which can help determine if they need glasses or contact lenses, or the right power of reading glasses.

The QuickSee and the autorefractor are essentially performing the same function leveraging different technology.  Both pieces of equipment measure a person’s refractive error which gives the doctor more information to work with.

Step 5 - Tonometer

A tonometry test measures intraocular pressure (IOP), or the pressure inside your eye, to help diagnose, screen for, and manage glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Step 6 - Exam

Once all of the tests are completed, the patient will then see the doctor for a full eye exam.  The doctor uses several pieces of equipment, including a phoropter seen here, to determine the exact prescription needed.  If the doctor encounters any pathology, the patient will be referred to a specialist for follow-up care and treatment.

Final Step - Prescription Glasses

Finally, the patient can try on frames from the wide selection of styles offered by Hope Alliance.  All frames and prescription lenses are free of charge and custom-made for each patient.

Interested in volunteering with us? Let us know! thehopealliance.org/volunteer