By Shannon K. Jones
Staff Reporter
SAULT STE. MARIE - Without a certified low-vision optometrist located within a 90-mile radius, visually impaired patients are often faced with the daunting task of making travel arrangements for even the most trivial of appointments. Sault Tribe Director of Optometric Services Dr. Penny Vizina is working with the Michigan Commission for the Blind to ease the burden on those suffering from vision loss and to increase the availability of services to area residents. Vizina addressed the commission on Aug. 15, asking for their support and assistance in developing a program.
"This relationship would benefit both the visually impaired and the tribe," said Vizina. "There is a high incidence of diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration in Native Americans."
Both diseases can rob patients of their sight.
The timing couldn't be better for the MCB to entertain such a proposal. Consumer Services Director Leamon Jones told the board his work has indicated that the MCB needs to concentrate on developing and creating relationships with Latino and Native American populations.
"We need to create some type of outreach," said Jones.
While a low-vision clinic is merely an idea in the works, MCB Chair Jo Ann Pilarski encouraged the board to keep dialogue open with Sault Tribe about the possibility of its creation in the area.
"We've been looking to increase our outreach and this opportunity has dropped into our laps," said Pilarski. "I'm really excited about an opportunity to partner with this organization."
Sandee Raapaana, a rehabilitation counselor for Michigan Rehabilitation Services in Sault Ste. Marie echoed Pilarski's enthusiasm.
"The idea of a partnership between MCB and the tribe is a gift to our community," she said. "We would be able to service many more consumers."
While Sault Tribe currently only serves tribal members, according to Vizina, she is willing to approach the tribe's board of directors about allowing the clinic to be open to patients referred by the MCB.
Created in 1978, the MCB serves approximately 4,500 people annually through programs such as vocational rehabilitation service, independent living services and DeafBlind services. MCB is a statewide program with a staff of nearly 100 who are available to serve the state's 50,000 blind individuals.
