Member News

Dr. George E. Fava and Dr. Mark C. Maria of Fava & Maria Eye Associates, Lebanon, have assisted seniors in financial need in receiving sight-saving care as volunteers with EyeCare America. Thanks to the efforts of Fava and Maria and volunteer ophthalmologists from across the country, the program recently earned a Volunteer Service Award from President Barack Obama.

EyeCare America, a program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is one of the largest public service programs in American medicine. In Pennsylvania, over the last 30 years, the program has helped more than 34,350 people obtain access to medical eye care and resources through 367 volunteer ophthalmologists.

“Losing vision can be devastating, but some seniors may think it’s inevitable due to their age and suffer in silence rather than seeking help,” Maria said. “Today we are fortunate to have several treatments to help stop vision loss -- and even restore vision -- for older Americans. It’s an honor to be part of a national program that helps make it so much easier for seniors to access these treatments.”

“Thank you for helping to address the most pressing needs in your community and our country,” Obama wrote in a letter that accompanied EyeCare America’s award. “Your volunteer service demonstrates the kind of commitment to your community that moves America a step closer to its great promise.”
  
Those interested in the program can learn if they qualify for a sight-saving eye exam and care at no out-of-pocket cost by visiting EyeCare America’s online referral center at www.eyecareamerica.org. This online referral center also allows friends and family members to find out if their loves ones are eligible to be matched with an EyeCare America volunteer ophthalmologist.

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About Fava & Maria Eye Associates: George E. Fava, MD, Mark C. Maria, MD and the staff of Fava & Maria Eye Associates have served the greater Lebanon Valley for more than 30 years. The practice offers complete medical and surgical eye exams and evaluations as well as routine vision exams.  Services include glaucoma and diabetic eye care, cataract implant surgery, vision exams for glasses and contacts and an on-site optical shop. Specialty services include new technology lens implants for cataract patients, refractive surgeries (LASIK and PRK) and laser therapies for cosmetic skin and hair conditions. The majority of the practice’s surgical procedures are performed in Valley View Surgical Center, which is located on the Fava & Maria campus. The center is the only Medicare -approved outpatient surgical center devoted solely to eye surgery in the Lebanon area.  

About EyeCare America: EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is committed to the preservation of sight, accomplishing its mission through public service and education. EyeCare America provides year-round eye care services to medically underserved seniors and those at increased risk for eye disease. More than 90 percent of the care made available is provided at no out-of-pocket cost to the patients. More information can be found at www.eyecareamerica.org.