Health care professionals say that a major problem in delivery of services to the poor and homeless is the lack of a "medical home" - a place where the providers know the patient, have the records and can provide continuing and preventative treatment. Without such a home, the ill often wind up in very expensive hospital emergency rooms.
Cornerstone Assistance Network was established in 1992 with a vision of meeting that need for a medical home. And now, thanks to eye-care product manufacturer Alcon and a number of other supporters, Cornerstone is adding vision to its vision.
In January, the network will open what is believed to be the nation's first cataract procedure facility for those underserved and uninsured. When fully operational, volunteer physicians will be able to treat up to 10 patients per day in partnership with North Texas ophthalmologists, optometrists and allied health providers.
"CAN Cataract Clinic would not be able to provide cataract procedures without the wonderful partnership with Alcon," said CEO Mike Doyle. "Their desire to serve those who can't afford proper eye care will allow our patients to be able to see, read, and comprehend things like never before."
The clinic will open in a state-of-the-art facility, thanks to financial support from Alcon, The Lion's Club, Lockheed Martin/Aero and the Mary Tabb and Clyde B. Thompson Trust.
The Cornerstone Charitable Clinic focuses primarily on the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic patients and has seen an 80 percent increase in patients over the past two years.
