Imagine you’ve developed a mysterious health issue causing blurry vision along with dizziness and vertigo. Now picture waiting months for an eye exam, or never receiving one at all, and having to accept life with impaired vision and the uncertainty of worsening health.

This was reality for Zufall patient Isabel* until she met Dr. Jose Pierre, Zufall’s only optometrist, who currently only practices in Dover. After a three-month wait, she made a three-hour round trip to see him. She missed half a day’s work and pay because she knew that Zufall was the only place she could afford her vision care, even without health insurance.

“I didn’t have many expectations,” Isabel said. “But Dr. Pierre told me, ‘I understand you, I know how you are feeling.’ I thought he was just being polite, but it was true, and he was really listening to me.”

After a thorough exam and ruling out other causes, Dr. Pierre suspected Lyme disease and had Isabel complete bloodwork next to his exam room. Two days later, he confirmed the diagnosis. Isabel began treatment and received glasses that dramatically improved her life and work.

Untreated Lyme disease can lead to a host of long-term complications, including arthritis, heart problems, and neurological issues. Blurry vision and vertigo can severely impact daily life, impairing a person’s ability to work, drive, or live independently. Because Isabel had access to affordable, compassionate care, she avoided all of that. But for many patients, the cost of vision care is too high, the distance is too far, the appointments are too few, and the consequences are too severe.

This is why Zufall is committed to expanding vision services. As Isabel’s story shows, the need can’t wait. Vision care is often the first chance to detect chronic conditions that impact the entire body. Without it, patients risk worsening symptoms and permanent damage. Yet vision care is still one of our most limited services.

With your help, we can bring life-changing vision care to more Zufall patients. Make a secure gift online here or mail a check payable to Zufall Health Foundation with “Vision” in the memo to: 18 West Blackwell Street Dover, NJ 07801.

*Name changed to protect patient privacy.