SC Eye Care Initiative

About the SC Eye Care Initiative

    Dr. Peter Candela, who was recently named the 2008 South Carolina Optometrist of the Year, was instrumental in the startup and implementation of the South Carolina Eye Care Initiative, a program established to provide quality vision care to low-income, uninsured adults 18 years old and older in South Carolina.
    "When people are unhealthy, they cannot lead successful lives and there are so many people that need eye care, but cannot even afford an exam," Dr. Candela said. "I would encourage everyone to get involved because if we all work together, we really can create change."
    With the help of Dr. Candela's tremendous insight and dedication, United Way of the Midlands Health and Recovery Council has partnered with the South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association to begin the South Carolina Eye Care Initiative.
    Volunteer optometrists from the South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association perform complete eye exams and, if necessary eyeglasses with single vision or bifocal lenses all for a fee of only $35.00.  
    The program continues to grow, but currently, the initiative is serving residents in:
  • Orangeburg County
  • Calhoun County
  • Fairfield County
  • Lexington County
  • Richland County
  • Newberry County
For more information, contact Cheryl Johnson, Senior Director for United Way of the Midlands Health Council  
Thank you to all of the participating optometrists who volunteer their time and LIVE UNITED.

Bud Antley, OD
Greg Bailey, OD
John Brinkley, OD
Peter Candela, OD
Brian Cannon, OD
Kathy Cannon, OD
Wayne Cannon, OD
Robert M. Cress, OD
William Davis, OD
Marvin Efron, OD
Philip Flynn, OD
Benjamin Ingram, OD
Julianne Kleckley, OD
Earl Loftis, OD
David Matthews, OD
Mike McClay, OD
Henry Miller, OD
Jeff Pockl, OD


Partners in this initiative include: