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For years, Angel chose her children over herself. When money was tight, her sons came first. Her eyesight and new glasses came last. Remote Area Medical (RAM®) sees thousands of patients like Angel every year. Through free dental, vision, and medical clinics, RAM removes one of the biggest barriers to care: cost.
A New Pair of Glasses After Years Without
As a single mom with two boys at home, affording an eye exam and a new pair of glasses wasn’t in the budget. Thankfully, at a local food bank, Angel heard about the RAM Clinic coming to Athens, Tennessee.
Four years had passed since her last eye exam. It had been three years since she replaced her glasses. Just days before the clinic she had to superglue the frames together, again, so she could keep working.
When Angel tried on her new glasses for the first time, her face lit up with joy. She could finally see again. Smiling as the volunteer optician made sure the glasses fit correctly, Angel’s excitement was palpable.
“I’m excited. I’m glad; I’m happy; I’m thankful,” Angel said.
Not only is Angel able to see much better thanks to her new prescription, but she’s hopeful the new glasses will stop the headaches she’s been experiencing. For more than a year, she had near-constant headaches, blurry vision during long shifts, and strain while helping her boys with homework. After speaking with RAM’s volunteer optometrists and receiving her updated prescription, she left optimistic the headaches may finally ease.
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Barriers to Care for Angel
Angel does not have health insurance through her job as a server at a local restaurant. That’s why it had been more than four years since she last saw an eye doctor.
As a single mother, all her extra income goes toward making sure her sons have what they need. New glasses felt like a luxury. Headaches felt like something she could push through.
Care in Just a Few Hours
At the RAM Clinic, Angel received a comprehensive eye exam and new prescription glasses, free of charge, in just a couple of hours.
“[The clinic] was great. Everybody was super nice, and it was really fast,” she said.
Apart from getting her new glasses so quickly, RAM’s volunteers impressed Angel. This clinic was supported by more than 75 local volunteers who gave their time and expertise to care for patients in their own community.
“Thank you for your time and service. A lot of people would go without if it wasn’t for [the volunteers],” she said.
One Mother. One Pair of Glasses. One Weekend.
RAM has served more than one million patients like Angel, patients who need healthcare but lack access. Patients postponing care, pushing through pain, and choosing groceries over glasses. Your support changes that. Get involved today and help us serve more mothers like Angel, young adults like Grace, and families like mother and daughter, Lillian and Nicole.
Help the Next Mother See Clearly
If you believe no parent should have to superglue their glasses together just to get through the week, you can help. Make a gift today to fund free clinics. Every dollar helps provide exams, supplies, equipment, and logistics that make weekends like this possible.
Use Your Skills to Change a Life
Are you a medical, dental, or vision professional? One weekend of your time can restore sight, relieve pain, and renew confidence.
Volunteer at an upcoming RAM Clinic.
Ways to Stay Connected and Make a Difference
- Read and share our blog posts
- Shop RAM’s official merch store online
- Make RAM your charity of choice with the Walmart Spark Good Program to round up and donate your change to RAM.
Every action helps extend care further.
