Mississippi News

Sight Savers America helps kids with free vision tech

Published

3 years ago

February 24, 2022

Visually impaired Mississippi children receive free vision technology

by Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today
February 24, 2022

A national nonprofit on Tuesday donated special technology to 10 children with severe visual impairment that cannot be corrected with eye glasses, contact lenses, or surgical treatment. The children were from the Jackson and Hattiesburg areas.

The Onyx Electronic Video Magnifiers (EVMs) and other assistive technology magnify objects up to 118 times and allow the children to read, write, groom themselves and even see loved ones’ faces more clearly, according to a press release from Sight Savers America. The technologies are usually priced around $3,000 and are not covered by medical insurance.

Dr. Glen Stribling from the Mississippi School for the Blind’s Low Vision Clinic referred the children for the technology, according to the nonprofit.

Elijah Wadkins, 11, uses the use the Onyx Electronic Video Magnifier and other assistive technology at Galloway United Methodist Church in Jackson, Miss., Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2022. About 10 Children with severe visual impairment from the Jackson area had the tools donated to them by Sight Savers America, a nationally expanding nonprofit organization that provides eye care and low vision services at no cost to qualifying individuals.
Veronica Tafoya, Sight Savers’ Low Vision Program manager, right, gives Jaliyah Dorcent, 10, center, and her father, Jackson Morgan, instructions on how to use the Onyx Electronic Video Magnifier and other assistive technology at Galloway United Methodist Church in Jackson, Miss., Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2022. About 10 Children with severe visual impairment from the Jackson area had the tools donated to them by Sight Savers America, a nationally expanding nonprofit organization that provides eye care and low vision services at no cost to qualifying individuals.
Elijah Wadkins, 11, uses the use the Onyx Electronic Video Magnifier and other assistive technology at Galloway United Methodist Church in Jackson, Miss., Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2022. About 10 Children with severe visual impairment from the Jackson area had the tools donated to them by Sight Savers America, a nationally expanding nonprofit organization that provides eye care and low vision services at no cost to qualifying individuals.
Matt Daw, associate director for Sight Savers’ Low Vision Program, right, instructs Elijah Wadkins, 11, center, and his father, Lee Brown, on how to use the Onyx Electronic Video Magnifier and other assistive technology at Galloway United Methodist Church in Jackson, Miss., Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2022. About 10 Children with severe visual impairment from the Jackson area had the tools donated to them by Sight Savers America, a nationally expanding nonprofit organization that provides eye care and low vision services at no cost to qualifying individuals.
Elijah Wadkins, 11, uses the use the Onyx Electronic Video Magnifier and other assistive technology at Galloway United Methodist Church in Jackson, Miss., Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2022. About 10 Children with severe visual impairment from the Jackson area had the tools donated to them by Sight Savers America, a nationally expanding nonprofit organization that provides eye care and low vision services at no cost to qualifying individuals.
Matt Daw, associate director for Sight Savers’ Low Vision Program, right, instructs Elijah Wadkins, 11, center, and his father, Lee Brown, on how to use the Onyx Electronic Video Magnifier and other assistive technology at Galloway United Methodist Church in Jackson, Miss., Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2022. About 10 Children with severe visual impairment from the Jackson area had the tools donated to them by Sight Savers America, a nationally expanding nonprofit organization that provides eye care and low vision services at no cost to qualifying individuals.
Leigh Irvin, associated director for Sight Savers’ Low Vision Program, left, gives Caleb Morgan, center, and his mom, Jana Morgan, instructions on how to use the Onyx Electronic Video Magnifier and other assistive technology at Galloway United Methodist Church
in Jackson, Miss., Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2022. About 10 Children with severe visual impairment from the Jackson area had the tools donated to them by Sight Savers America, a nationally expanding nonprofit organization that provides eye care and low vision services at no cost to qualifying individuals.

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: June 20-22

Published

8 hours ago

June 20, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-06-20 07:11:00

SUMMARY: This weekend (June 20-22) in Mississippi offers diverse events across Central Mississippi and the Pine Belt. In Jackson, enjoy Summer Solstice parties, Akeem Ali’s rap show, Juneteenth cultural celebrations, live music, art exhibits, comic conventions, and circus performances. Natchez hosts Juneteenth events, markets, bourbon tastings, and a patriotic concert. Canton features car shows, flower farm activities, and a 5K run. Ridgeland offers legal charity runs and a Comic Con after-party. Hattiesburg presents dance bands, a retro video game party, a Juneteenth festival, STEAM activities, live concerts, rock and blues festivals, a pride ball, and market days in Ellisville. These events invite community connection, culture, and fun.

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Mississippi News

Search continues for Vance Boelter, suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota state lawmakers: What we know

Published

5 days ago

June 15, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-06-15 08:13:00

SUMMARY: A massive search is underway for Vance Boelter, 57, who posed as a police officer and fatally shot Minnesota Democratic state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband at their Brooklyn Park home. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and wounded nearby. Authorities called the act a “politically motivated assassination.” Boelter, a former political appointee and security contractor, fled on foot after exchanging gunfire with police. His vehicle contained AK-style firearms and “No Kings” flyers. The investigation noted his writings targeted abortion rights advocates. The attacks highlight growing political violence and prompted heightened security for lawmakers nationwide.

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Mississippi News

Iran retaliates with missile barrage after Israel strikes nuclear sites, kills top generals

Published

1 week ago

June 13, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-06-13 13:45:00

SUMMARY: Israel launched massive airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites, targeting key facilities including Natanz and Isfahan, killing top generals and scientists to prevent Iran from developing atomic weapons. Iran retaliated with dozens of ballistic missiles and drone attacks on Israel, hitting areas near Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The conflict escalated fears of a broader war in the region. Israel said the operation was months in planning and aimed to neutralize an imminent nuclear threat. The U.S. was informed but not involved in the strike and cautioned against targeting American interests. International calls urged de-escalation amid rising tensions.

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