The Vision Therapy Team Helps at Special Olympics
While athletes at this year’s Special Olympics games claimed gold, silver and bronze, The Vision Therapy Center also received a reward – one that was far less tangible, but just as fulfilling.
Dr. Knueppel at the Special Olympics.
Dr. Kellye Knueppel and her staff joined a volunteer effort at the Special Olympics Wisconsin Indoor State games held April 10-11 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The staff participated in the Healthy Athletes Disciplines program, which provides eye care, dental care, physical therapy, audiology and nutrition to all Special Olympics athletes.
It’s the kind of service that this population often doesn’t receive.
Many Special Olympics athletes are underserved in terms of healthcare. They often live in low-income group homes or are the recipients of Title 19 assistance. As a result, some health services can be neglected. “Unfortunately, this population doesn’t get the care they need,” said therapist Shannon Mooney.
Along with 13 total optometrists, 14 opticians, and 39 Lions Club volunteers, and 18 other volunteers, The Vision Therapy Center helped give athletes a complete vision screening. Optometrists checked near acuity, distance acuity, color vision, depth perception and other visual abilities. The physical condition of the athletes’ eyes was also examined.
A difficult prescription
The optometrists also performed refractions to determine if the athletes needed glasses. Frames were generously donated by Safilo, and lenses were donated by Essilor. Athletes could choose either regular eyeglasses, sports glasses, or both. There were even free sunglasses for athletes who didn’t need prescription glasses.
Checking the athletes' vision.
The frames included some of the top names in designer eyewear. “We give the athletes really nice glasses so they’ll want to wear them,” said Kim Jelinske of The Vision Therapy Center.
For the doctors, the hard work was prescribing the correct lenses. It required an understanding of how quickly this population tends to adapt to change.
Anyone who puts on a new pair of glasses will experience a change in depth perception. The brain has to recalibrate in order for a person to assume their normal activities. For most people, that can happen anywhere from a few minutes or a few hours. “If you have a cognitive disability, you might not adapt that quickly,” said Dr. Kellye Knueppel, “and you’ll take those glasses off and probably never try to wear them again. Often modifications to the prescription can make the glasses much easier to wear right away.”
Once the right prescription is found, the result can be life-altering. “We make a difference in their everyday functions,” added Shannon. “Getting glasses means they’re not afraid to take the stairs anymore.”
Over a decade of involvement
The Vision Therapy Center is no stranger to the Special Olympics. This is Dr. Knueppel’s 10th year volunteering at the games, and she does much more than just test vision.
Dr. Knueppel is currently the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes Clinical Director for the State of Wisconsin, and is responsible for running the overall program. Not only does she spearhead the statewide effort, she has been selected to volunteer for the international games, traveling to Ireland, Japan, China and Puerto Rico.
The effort that Dr. Knueppel puts forth on an individual effort is matched by The Vision Therapy Center staff. Literally hundreds of hours are spent outside the event, ensuring that the vision testing runs smoothly. The effort includes extensive planning, including contacting volunteers, setting up schedules, and coordinating with Special Olympics and the host facility.
The event itself is a significant logistical challenge. The Vision Therapy Center team loads up a truck with vision care supplies, unloads at the site, sets up, and eventually tears down after the event.
Following the event, the team sorts through all the prescriptions written by optometrists, and ensures that the glasses are made correctly. They are then packaged and sent to the correct recipients.
This year, more than 262 athletes were checked by the eye care team. Of that group, 179 received glasses. For their efforts, the staff didn’t make it to the podium, but they’re more than happy with the results, and the experience.
“I like the interaction with the athletes,” said Kim Jelinske. “And I love that I’m doing something to improve the quality of their lives.”
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