06/15/2026
Proud to spread the news: new vision program launched at VIM đź‘“
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS RESULT IN NEW VISION PROGRAM FOR PATIENTS AT VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC. Until recently, patients of Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of Hilton Head Island (VIMHHI) who needed eyeglasses were referred to third-party providers off island. Thanks in large part to a grant received through the Notre Dame Club of Hilton Head Island (NDCHHI), that is about to change and become much more convenient for patients.
The NDCHHI recently received a $1,875 grant through the Chuck and Joan Lennon Gospel of Life Initiative (“grant”) to kick-start a new optical program at VIMHHI. The Gospel of Life Initiative provides support to vulnerable populations around the world and encourages local Notre Dame clubs to serve as forces for good in their local communities.
VIMHHI’s Dr. Andrew Buzzelli, who also serves on the board of the NDCHHI, took on the challenge to develop a project that met the parameters of the grant’s initiative and represented the values of Notre Dame. Dr. Buzzelli brought together a committee that included representatives from the NDCHHI, VIMHHI, the Hilton Head Noon Lions Club, and other community stakeholders to outline the challenges with eye care at VIMHHI.
“VIM patients receive eye exams, but the process to secure glasses for those in need has been cumbersome, often leading to the patients not following through and living with sub-par vision. Through the partnerships mentioned, our project has established an in-clinic pilot optical dispensary,” said Buzzelli.
“While $1,875 may not sound like a lot, it was the catalyst we needed to initiate the program,” said Dr. John Newman, VIMHHI’s executive director. “Thank you to Dr. Buzzelli for his efforts in securing this opportunity to help the underserved in our community. Andrew embodies our Circle of Caring mission and is a tremendous asset to our organization and the Hilton Head Island community as a whole.”
“The grant submission outlined the problem and the proposed partnership solution,” said Michelle Farrow from the NDCHHI. “Access to vision care is something that I personally have taken for granted all my life. So now, understanding the challenges faced by many in the Lowcountry, it is humbling to think of the impact that this will have,” continued Farrow.
Lion’s Club member and optician Scott Severson has become a volunteer at VIMHHI and is donating his expertise and time to make eyeglasses for the clinic’s patients. In addition, the clinic has received a generous donation from Brian and Mary Ann Walsh for the equipment needed to make glasses in house, which propels VIMHHI to the operational phase of the project. “I am honored to be part of this pilot program and looking forward to meeting and working with the volunteers and patients at VIMHHI”, said Severson.
“We have a backlog of at least 1,000 patients who need eyeglasses,” said Dr. Buzzelli. “Having Scott on board will help us tremendously in fulfilling the vision needs of those patients.”
Volunteers in Medicine has been providing free health care to those in need since 1993. Since then, the organization has grown into a full-service medical clinic – with over 26 specialties – available to those without insurance or the financial means to pay for quality health care.
The clinic is seeking volunteer opticians in the local area to assist with exams, even if only for one morning a week or one shift per month. The program is open to current patients, and VIMHHI is not accepting new patients at this time for the eyeglass program. If members of the community are interested in learning how they can contribute to the program’s success, please contact Kim Likins at [email protected].
