Anchor Center’s Grand Opening of New Eye Clinic

Anchor Center for Blind Children held a Grand Opening ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 to introduce board members, donors and staff to our brand new state-of-the-art Eye Clinic and Assessment center located in the lower level of our current building. Renovation of the space began over five months ago with the goal of expanding our existing services by adding two eye exam rooms, a CVI specific assessment room as well as a spacious reception area. We expect our ability to provide these critical exams and assessments to increase by over 65% with the addition of this new capital space. Last fiscal year, Anchor Center provided over 180 eye examinations.

“There are so many people to thank including our donors, Jeff and Tanya Watkins, the Linda Chowdry Family Foundation, Neal Hansen and Bonnie Armstrong, as well as our General Contractor, Keith Vaughn and Pat Fern, along with our Architect, Maria Cole,” said Meghan Klassen, Executive Director of Anchor Center.

The new space was designed with our students in mind. The entrance to the clinic provides a sensory wall featuring an oceanic theme that provides tactile learners with endless opportunities to explore while they wait. Each piece was carefully chosen to make the most of the space and to allow visually impaired children a sensory experience with curved designs mimicking the sea, a jellyfish lava lamp, and a tactile wall featuring seashells, fish, and tile for little fingers to explore.

Dr. Robert King MD, Pediatric Ophthalmologist at Children’s Eye Physicians, was honored as the visionary of the project and has volunteered countless hours performing eye exams over many years at Anchor Center. During that time Dr. King, along with Dr. Anna Steele, MD., and the technicians of Children’s Eye Physicians, have provided on-site professional care allowing family members, Anchor Center teachers and therapists to attend, hear results directly, and ask questions related to each child’s learning style and educational plan.  Doctors, technicians and staff work together and develop best practices for children who are blind or visually impaired.

We are excited to introduce you to our new Eye Clinic and we hope you will consider scheduling a tour today.

Click here to view photos of the event and click here to view photos of students exploring the sensory wall.