Early detection is the key to preventing and successfully treating almost any medical condition, and the Oxford American Legion Post 108 (130 E. Drahner Rd.) is once again opening its doors to local veterans and their families to keep their vision sharp.

On Saturday, Oct. 7, veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families are invited to receive free, comprehensive eye care from a group of ophthalmologists and technicians from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

According to Post 108 Commander Rick Moorhead, people who don’t have any military connections are also invited to see the doctors, free of charge. This year’s event is open to all individuals who need eyecare, but lack the insurance or income to make it happen.

Moorhead said this event will make it easier for veterans who don’t want to, or cannot, drive all the way to the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in downtown Detroit to get their eyes checked.

“Many people in the Oxford area can’t afford to have eye exams. There are a lot of veterans who don’t feel like driving all the way to Detroit to get an eye exam, so this is a win-win situation. We’ve got board certified eye surgeons that come in with their staff. They do a great job. This year, we’re extending those services to veterans, their family and friends, so we’re hoping to extend it to even more people,” said Moorhead.

Dr. Jaime Aragones, one of the event’s organizers and a member of the Rotary Club of Oxford, said he’s participated in 32 medical missions around the world and that he is excited to once again lend his skills to a local cause.

“We try to make a difference in the lives of other people. Especially those that need help. This is a continuation (of that work) because I’m at the point now where it’s harder for me to travel to different countries so I figured we might as well stay here and help as much as we can,” said Aragones.

Aragones practiced ophthalmology for about 50 years before retiring in 2014. He was a lieutenant colonel in the Michigan National Guard and served in Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

Dr. Anne Nachazel, of Eastside Eye Physicians in St. Clair Shores, is also helping organize the event. “We’re very motivated to serve our veterans and their families because of the service they have done for our country. We feel this is a very respected group in our society and we want to make sure they are getting proper care. If we can provide it when the opportunity is not there for them otherwise, we’re very happy to do that,” said Nachazel.

Approximately eight eye doctors, along with some of their technicians, are donating their time and expertise to examine people’s vision and screen them for eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and amblyopia, according to Aragones.

Those who attend that day will receive either breakfast or lunch at the post, free of charge.

To make an appointment for Oct. 7, please call Post 108 at (248) 628-9081. Those who have eyeglasses and/or medications are asked to please bring them for the exam.

This event is being sponsored by the Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, The Lourdes J. Aragones Charitable Mission Fund, Inc., the Rotary Club of Oxford, Life Companions, Inc., the Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons and Post 108.