NEWS RELEASE

Office of External Communications

Houston, TX 77204-5017 Fax: 713.743.8199

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2005

Contact: Lisa Merkl
713.743.8192 (office)
713.605.1757 (pager)

HURRICANE VICTIMS URGED TO VISIT UH FOR DISCOUNTED GLASSES, EYE CARE
University Eye Institute Offers Services Through
College of Optometry to Louisiana and Mississippi Evacuees


HOUSTON, Sept. 1, 2005 – From replacement glasses to critical eye care, the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) is extending services to Louisiana and Mississippi evacuees displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

Patients who show a valid ID from either of these two states will receive a 70 percent discount for eye exams and will be offered new glasses at cost. There is no charge for repairing glasses. For patients without insurance or money, the University Eye Institute (UEI) will provide professional services, also at no charge.

“The University Eye Institute recognizes that many people forced from their homes due to Hurricane Katrina may be in need of eye care,” said Earl L. Smith, dean of UHCO. “Some may need a replacement set of glasses while others may need more critical eye care. In either case, we are here to help and will do whatever we can to work with those in need.”

Nick Holdeman, UEI executive director and chief of medical services adds, “Our clinic takes pride in providing high quality vision care. We encourage anyone impacted by Hurricane Katrina to call and make arrangements to come in.”

To take advantage of this offer, patients are encouraged to contact the UEI, located on the UH campus in the
J. Armistead building, at 713-743-2020.

About the University of Houston
The University of Houston, Texas’ premier metropolitan research and teaching institution, is home to more than 40 research centers and institutes and sponsors more than 300 partnerships with corporate, civic and governmental entities. UH, the most diverse research university in the country, stands at the forefront of education, research and service with more than 35,000 students.

About the UH College of Optometry
For more than 50 years, the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) has trained optometrists to provide the highest quality vision and eye care. One of only 17 optometry schools in the United States, the UHCO offers a variety of degree programs, including Doctor of Optometry (O.D.), a combined Doctor of Optometry/Doctor of Philosophy (O.D./Ph.D.), Master of Science (M.S.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Located at the University of Houston, the UHCO consists of 50 full-time faculty, 508 adjunct faculty and 76 full-time staff.

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For more information about UH visit the university’s ‘Newsroom’ at www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom.