Department of Human Services to Host Free Eye Screening in East Brunswick on Tuesday

Attendees can also explore telecommunication and assistive technologies for the deaf and hard of hearing

July 27, 2018

(EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ) - The New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, along with Senator Patrick Diegnan and Assembly Members Nancy Pinkin and Robert Karabinchak, will host a free eye screening in East Brunswick on Tuesday, July 31.

The Project BEST eye screening is open to the community from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the East Brunswick Senior Center at the Jean Walling Civic Center.

Project BEST, which stands for Better Eye-Health Services and Treatment, is part of an ongoing effort by the Commission to reduce the incidence of blindness. The program provides eye health education and safety by offering no-cost vision screenings for adults and children throughout the state. Researchers estimate that half of all blindness or severe vision loss can be prevented. 

“Early detection is essential to reducing the risk of blindness and severe vision loss,” said Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson. “Our Project BEST screenings are an important tool in providing access to early detection to all New Jerseyans, and we thank Senator Diegnan and Assembly Members Pinkin and Karabinchak for joining us in this effort.”

The Commission especially works to help low-income individuals, older adults, individuals with diabetes, migrant workers and individuals with special needs. Those individuals identified as needing additional care or services are referred to local resources or for Commission services, or both.

The Commission also offers education, vocational rehabilitation and independent living assistance to help people adjust to vision loss and become self-sufficient.

In addition, representatives from the Department of Human Services’ Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will also be available to offer information about the various services they provide.  People can explore telecommunication and home safety assistive technology at the screening, and learn more about programs and benefits.  The public can also visit the division’s Assistive Device Demonstration Center in Hamilton and test out different devices so they can make informed decisions before purchasing these items.

For additional information or to schedule a visit to the center, call toll free at (800) 792-8339 or visit nj.gov/humanservices/ddhh/addc. And for more information, or to schedule a free eye screening in a community, contact the Commission of the Blind and Visually Impaired by calling toll free at (877) 685-8878 or email AskCBVI@dhs.state.nj.us.