The Greenville Free Medical Clinic is expanding its eye care services with new equipment to better serve uninsured patients thanks to a grant from the 2018 Fluor Golf for Greenville tournament.

The $99,000 grant has enabled the clinic to buy a retinal camera, a visual field analyzer and other equipment to upgrade current screening and treatment for patients with glaucoma, diabetes and other vision conditions, said Suzie Foley, executive director of the clinic.

“Several of the pieces of equipment being replaced were over 25 years old, some of which could no longer be repaired because parts are no longer available,” she said. “The new pieces being added absolutely enhance the level of care provided by our very generous ophthalmology volunteer physicians.”

The eye clinic sees about 500 patients a year, with care provided three times a week by some 20 volunteer ophthalmologists, she said.

In addition, other equipment donated by Davis Audiology will allow the clinic to add hearing screenings to its lineup of services as well, Foley said.

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The free clinic and its volunteer providers have been offering medical and dental care as well as health education and prescriptions without charge to eligible low-income uninsured Greenville County residents for almost 35 years.

Volunteers involved in the eye clinic upgrade include Dr. Nick McLane, Dr. William Caldwell and Dr. Douglas Stokes, registered nurse Katherine McConnell, the Auburn University Alternative Student Break program and Christ Church Episcopal High School.

An opening is planned for Monday.