The Annual Visual Clinic, a program of the Blanche W. Grady Community Service Award, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Greene County Health Department's headquarters.

The application forms to qualify for visual services will be provided now through Thursday, Nov. 12, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the front main lobby of Laughlin Memorial Hospital.

Those desiring free vision care must submit their completed applications and bring qualifying information to the Greene County Health Department only on Friday, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Application forms will not be available at the Greene County Health Department this year, due to the number of people being served in the vaccine programs.

The visual clinic's organizers say, "Priority for vision care will be given to those individuals who have not had an eye examination or received glasses within the last five or more years, although others in need should apply.

"The next priority group will be within a four-year range, and, then, three years, until all available appointments are filled.

"To receive vision care, individuals must provide verification of income by bringing the following items to the Health Department on Friday, Nov. 13, along with their application: a 2008 W2 form, copy of the last check stub (work, Social Security, disability, etc.), or if no income, must bring a written statement from the person who provides housing and food, stating their support.

The program is available to those who qualify and meet guidelines established by the local committee and the State of Tennessee income guidelines for health care services.

The visual clinic is made possible by funds from the Blanche W. Grady Community Service Award Endowment, a fund within the Laughlin Health Care Foundation, and is in partnership with local eye physicians; the Greene County Health Department; and a host of community volunteers.

Sharon Niswonger, one of the benefactors, said, "Since the clinic started seven years ago, it has provided visual care for those in our community who are needful.

"My family and I appreciate the volunteers who give freely of their time to provide these services for participants at this clinic, because without the valued volunteers, participating organizations, and professional offices, it could not be done."

Drs. Brad Emde and Shelly Shaw, of Eastview Eye Care, as co-chairs of the visual clinic, have contacted eye physicians in the community to participate in the clinic.

They have reported, "100 percent of the eye professionals in the community have agreed to assist with examinations.

Dr. Craig Shepherd, Tusculum Dental, as chair of the dental clinic, said that information about the dental clinic will be announced later.

For more information about either of the clinics, call Laughlin Health Care Foundation at 787-5117.