The Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI) has received a $100,000 grant from Building Healthy Futures to support the vision clinic that will be housed in the new MMI building.
The vision clinic is committed to inclusive care and support to individuals with disabilities and complex health care needs of all ages through state-of-the art care, diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders and vision.
The grant funding will help the institute secure high quality providers committed to its mission during startup in 2021.
“The major focus of the grant is to support an ophthalmologist, optometrist, technician and optical supplies for the institute’s retail optical shop,” said Melonie Welsh, community engagement director for MMI. “These providers are committed in inclusive health, have experience in diagnosing and managing vision problems unique to this population, and have experience partnering with caregivers and self advocates in achieving their goals.
“Many individuals with disabilities or who have complex health care needs, have specific needs in glasses including need more pliable frames and may need other accommodations for comfort.
“In addition to function, clients will have the opportunity to have choices about frames that are contemporary and fun, too,” she said.
The vision clinic is part of the Caring for Champions program in the new building. The Caring for Champions program, endorsed by Special Olympics will provide individuals with disabilities and complex medical needs outstanding vision, dental and dietary health and wellness services that are tailored to their unique needs.
MMI will partner with UNMC’s Truhlsen Eye Institute (TEI) and College of Dentistry to offer vision screenings, exams and dental services; dietary health and wellness support will be offered by MMI providers.
MMI’s goal is to improve access to quality health care for people with IDD. The Building Healthy Futures grant, by helping to support the vision care aspect of the project, will have a big impact, Welsh said.
“MMI can fill a unique gap in health care services for people with IDD through Caring for Champions,” Welsh said. “Family-centered care will be delivered by providers skilled in vision treatment for those with IDD across the lifespan. The environment will be designed to accommodate patients in wheelchairs or with sensory, behavioral and communication issues with access to highly trained providers with experience in the unique needs of our patients and their families.”
In addition, through the affiliation with UNMC, Caring for Champions also will provide a robust educational environment for health care providers on working with members of the IDD community.
“The program will educate and train the next generation of health care providers about the unique skills required to care for people with IDD, as well as opportunities to create standards of care that can serve as a template for other communities,” Welsh said.
She praised the commitment of MMI’s collaborators.
“The Truhlsen Eye Institute, along with the UNMC College of Dentistry, has gone above and beyond to help us serve our clientele,” Welsh said. “This grant will help our families find a vision health care home that will improve their quality of life and empower them to be successful at home, school, work and the community.”
Congratulations on securing this important grant!