Volunteer Connection Provides Eyeglasses

Four-time Global Volunteer Susan Koralik and the Lion’s Club of Park Ridge, Illinois have brought the gift of clearer vision to some fortunate Rarotonga students.

Koralik, who is serving with the current Cook Islands team, is continuing a collaborative effort with local eye nurse specialist Doris Fonorito to screen students at Takitumu, Rutaki, Imanuela Akatemia, St Joseph’s and Te Uki Ou schools on the island.

Last time Koralik served on Rorotonga, she and Fonorito screened 638 students. Those who followed up to obtain eyeglass prescriptions were then eligible to obtain prescription glasses through Koralik's hometown Lion's Club. The Chicago Club shipped eight pairs to Rarotonga.

While she is not an optometrist, Koralik has been trained in vision screening, and brings vision charts – bearing letters and, for kids who can’t yet read, symbols – when she comes to Rarotonga. This year she also brought sample frames so that vision-impaired kids can choose their own frame style. Over the next four weeks Koralik will assist local optometrist Teariki Faireka to screen more students. We look forward to new reports on this very needed project!
-Excerpted from the Cook Islands NEWS