Prevent Blindness North Carolina had an incredibly successful presence at this year’s NC State Fair, screening over 1,250 individuals and educating visitors about the importance of maintaining eye health. Our booth was bustling with activities, expert advice, and generous support from local organizations and volunteers.
Promoting Eye Health Awareness
At the heart of our booth’s mission was spreading awareness about eye health and providing critical screenings. Carl Boriello, PBNC’s 2024 Ambassador, joined us to discuss the significance of regular eye checkups and shared his personal story of vision loss to inspire booth visitors. His passion and advocacy resonated with many, highlighting the life-changing impact of prioritizing vision care.
Expert Contributions
PBNC was fortunate to host several distinguished experts who volunteered their time to answer questions and provide insights into various aspects of eye health:
- Dr. Lakshmi Swamy, a PBNC board member and Pediatric Ophthalmologist, offered valuable guidance on children’s eye health.
- Dr. Jeff Board, a retired Pediatric Ophthalmologist and PBNC board member, shared his expertise during an “Ask the Expert” shift.
- Dr. Charles H. Robinson Jr., a retired Ophthalmologist specializing in retinal care, provided his knowledge to booth visitors.
- Dr. Emily Gower, Associate Professor at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health with over 15 years of experience in global health and ocular epidemiology, added depth to our educational efforts.
Dedicated Volunteers
PBNC board members Bonnie Bradley, an Ophthalmic Assistant, and Frances Blevins, an Ophthalmic Technician, returned to volunteer their time for vision screenings. Additionally, members of the NC State and UNC Pre-Optometry clubs, along with the NC State pre-medical club, enthusiastically assisted with screenings, showcasing their commitment to eye health.
Community Support and Generous Sponsors
This year’s fair was made possible thanks to the incredible support of our sponsors:
- The Hamlin Companies continued their unwavering support of our mission as the title sponsor of the booth.
- Wilmington Eye donated raffle prizes, goodie bag materials, and provided volunteers.
- Raleigh Eye Center sponsored weekday activities at the booth.
- Raleigh Ophthalmology supported our weekend efforts by providing volunteers and giveaways.
- EyePACS generously contributed to the booth’s overall sponsorship.
Local businesses also contributed to our popular prize wheel, with donations from Zaxby’s, Cali Burgers, Chick-fil-A, and The Healthy Place. These prizes added a fun and engaging element to our outreach, attracting even more visitors to the booth.
A Successful Fair, Thanks to You
The 2024 NC State Fair was a tremendous success for PBNC, thanks to the dedication and generosity of all the groups and individuals who contributed their time, expertise, and resources. Together, we made a meaningful impact by raising awareness about the importance of eye health and providing essential services to our community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this event possible.
