Vision Clinic opens at the University Health Center

By Nancy Larksukthom

ATHENS, Ga. – Balloons shaped like eyeballs welcome students as they walked into the University’s Health Center on Sept. 10, 2009. Free giveaways and snacks were provided and students were greeted with big smiles. It was a day of celebration. The UHC had just opened their newest addition of healthcare, the Vision Clinic.

It’s not always easy for students to pay a visit to their optometrist while away at college, but with the vision clinic’s location on the first floor of the UHC, students can now reap the benefits of discounted prices and prompt service.

“My contacts fell out of my eye and I couldn’t see so I thought I was going to have to get a ride back home just to get a new pair of contact lenses, but then I found out about the Vision Clinic. I liked how they were timely. My appointment was at 9 a.m. and I was seen right on time. It saved me time and money,” states Ryan Evans, a fourth-year psychology student from Lilburn, Ga.

The clinic also carries brand-name frames and sunglasses such as Prada, Oakley, and Coach at discounted prices for students and the UGA community. The clinic does not accept insurance but there is a discount program for students and staff. Discounts include 5% off a contact lens order and 15% off any prescription lenses and frames, as well as sunglasses.

“We have the cheapest eye exams in all of Athens with $30 for an eyeglass exam and $55 for both contacts and glasses,” said Casey King, an Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician for the vision clinic.

Besides the new vision clinic, there are other benefits to the UHC that some students may not be aware of. Such services include a dental clinic and also therapeutic massages.

The dental clinic provides the same service just like any other dental office off campus. The office is located on the third floor of the health center and services include cavity fillings, cleanings, extractions, and teeth whitening. Many of these services are also cheaper than what you might expect at a regular dentist office.

"Although procedures range in price, they are about half as much as normal clinics," states Johnny Lee, a dental assistant at the UHC and a fourth-year pre-med student from Toccoa, Ga.
If students have insurance, then most bills can be sent directly to their insurance company.
"Also, most fees are already included in our health fees so students should take advantage of the cheap services offered," Lee said.

For students looking for a way to relax, the UHC also offers therapeutic massages. Available massages include the Swedish and Relaxation, a Deep Tissue massage, Aromatherapy, and the UHC signature massage. The UHC signature massage is a combination of both the Swedish and Deep Tissue massage.

Compared to local spas in the Athens area, prices at the UHC are more affordable for students on a budget. Spas off campus, such as the Spa at Foundry Park Inn, charges anywhere from $90 for a one hour session to $100 for a one hour session. The UHC prices their massages at $50 for a one hour session and $30 for a half-hour session. For nonstudents and staff, the price is $60 for a one hour session and $40 for a half-hour session. During finals week, prices are discounted $5.

"Getting a massage is a great way to improve blood flow and help relieve tight muscles and it makes a world of a difference when you feel relaxed," states Liz Rachun, health communications coordinator for the UHC.

Before a session, it is advised not to eat beforehand since your body needs time to digest. It is also important to be on time. Appointments can be made online as well as calling the UHC. After making an appointment, cancellations are allowed within 24 hours. If cancelling after 24 hours, there is a fee of $15. Gift certificates are also available for purchase.

Therapeutic massages are located on the first floor of the UHC at the Physical Therapy Department. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

With the UHC offering these services, students now have the option of accessing specialized health services on campus.

Edited by Anita George