Eagles Eye Mobile

The Eagles Eye Mobile is a 36-foot recreational vehicle (RV) retrofitted to be a mobile eye clinic. It is a program of Eagles Youth Partnership, a 501(c)(3) public charity set up by the Philadelphia Eagles. The program operates in close partnership with St. Christopher's Hospital for Children and the School District of Philadelphia.

Mission

The Eagles Eye Mobile makes comprehensive vision care accessible to underprivileged children in the Philadelphia area. The program aims to help these children to retain or regain their eyesight by eliminating vision problems that would otherwise hamper their learning and development. Sight is the primary source in the child learning process. As a result, vision problems can have a significant effect on how children learn. The Eagles Eye Mobile provides free eye exams, prescription glasses and follow-up care for thousands of children who typically lack access to vision care. The vehicle travels to public and charter elementary and middle schools in Philadelphia and Chester.

Using the "star power" of the Philadelphia Eagles, the Eye Mobile hopes to alleviate the fear of going to a traditional doctor's office while creating excitement about wearing glasses. The vehicle provides a fun, lively, non-intimidating environment representing the colors and players of the Philadelphia Eagles. Each child receives a football card, poster and a new book.

History

The Eagles Eye Mobile was co-founded in 1996 by former Philadelphia Eagles pro-bowl guard Jermane Mayberry. Mayberry was diagnosed with amblyopia at the age of 16, which led to blindness in one of his eyes. His condition and experience prompted him to contribute $100,000 to establish the Eagles Eye Mobile program.

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The Eagles Eye Mobile is staffed by an optometrist working for the department of ophthalmology at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, and two certified paraoptometrics.