Art exhibit highlights the importance of vision

Visual art can uplift, inspire, and change how we see the world. But for thousands of people in Zufall Health’s service area, that experience is limited by a lack of access to vision care.

At the May 1 opening of “In Focus: What the Eye Sees,” guests explored powerful visual interpretations of sight— optical illusions, 3D works, pointillism, abstract pieces, eye imagery, and photography—created by 19 local artists. Hosted by Zufall Health Foundation Board President Peter Wolfson at Zufall’s West Orange site, the event also highlighted the essential role of optometry, or eye care, in a community health center.

“Vision care isn’t separate from primary care—it’s a critical part of it,” explains Jose Pierre, OD, Zufall’s only optometrist. “A routine eye exam can do more than detect vision problems. It can uncover early signs of chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.”

For many of Zufall’s patients, that basic care is unavailable. Cost, lack of insurance, transportation challenges, and language barriers all stand in the way. And when vision problems go unaddressed, the consequences can be serious. Children may struggle in school. Adults may miss work or risk losing their jobs. Older adults may become more isolated or vulnerable to injury.

Pierre, based in Dover, provides full eye exams and referrals for patients who need further care, but appointment slots are limited, and demand keeps growing. That’s why Zufall plans to expand vision services, beginning with West Orange. To do it, the organization will need additional staff, specialized equipment, and support from donors who believe that clear sight should be within reach for everyone.

Let’s make vision a focus, together. Donate online or mail a check payable to Zufall Health Foundation with “Vision” in the memo to: 18 W. Blackwell Street, Dover, NJ 07801.

We’re grateful to guitarist George Stritter for providing live music and to the talented local artists who contributed their work: Sara Alcaire, Robert Campo, Saisree Cherukumalli, Nette Forné Thomas, William C. Goers, Jr., Ian Hagen, Simone Klausner, Harriet Kushins, Snehal Lakkad, Cathleen McCoy Bristol, Teiona McNair, Gina Petrecca, Jean-Paul Piccard, John Piccoli, Dr. Joseph A. Putrino, Jr., Swetha Sriramoju, Lee Stacy, Phil Stafford, and Lydia Watson. Enjoy more photos of the art on Facebook.

Artists (professional and amateur) who would like to be included on our mailing list to receive future “call for submissions” announcements, should email curator Amanda Barron at abarron@zufallhealth.org.

We’re thankful to our sponsors whose generosity supported our art show: Corporate Sponsors Henry Schein, Inc. Prodirect Dental Lab; Visionary Sponsor Atlantic Realty Development Corporation; Imagery Sponsor Bohler; Reflection Sponsors Atkins Companies, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Fulton Bank, and Hagan, Weisberg & Nunn, LLC.; and In-Kind Sponsors Goodale Pharmacy and one anonymous donor.