Sight is much too precious of a sense to lose or take for granted.

That’s why Oxford American Legion Post 108 (130 E. Drahner Rd.) is once again opening its doors to folks who need eye exams.

On Saturday, Oct. 29, veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families are invited to receive free, comprehensive eyecare from a group of ophthalmologists and technicians from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

“I’ve always had a warm spot in my heart for our veterans,” said Dr. Anne Nachazel, a St. Clair Shores-based ophthalmologist who’s helping organize the event. “I think they give so much and if we can do something to assist them with their eyecare, I’m happy to do so.”

Folks 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.

“Nobody’s going to be turned away,” said Rick Moorhead, who’s now in his third year as commander of Post 108. “If you come and you need an eye exam, you’re going to get an eye exam.”

“There’s so much need (in the community). It’s a worthwhile endeavor,” said Dr. Jaime Aragones, one of the event’s organizers and a member of the Rotary Club of Oxford. “It does make a difference in the lives of these people.”

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.

Approximately 10 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.

“It’s more than just testing your vision to see if it’s 20/20,” Moorhead said. “They do an excellent job.”

“It’s just a wonderful way of serving folks who might not otherwise have the opportunity to get quality health care and screening. We just love doing it,” said Nachazel, who chairs the public service committee for the Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons.

Assisting the doctors and technicians will be approximately 10 students (or externs) from the Henry Ford College Ophthalmic Technician Program.

“We’re super-excited about that. They’re so talented,” Nachazel said.

A supply of free reading glasses will be available on-site and given to anyone who needs a pair.

Approximately 70 to 80 veterans and their family members took advantage of these free exams at last year’s event.

Nachazel is hoping to help even more people this year.

“We would just love to have as many folks as possible come and take advantage of this opportunity,” she said. “We could easily see 150 to 200 people. We definitely have the room and the staffing. If they’re there, we’ll see them.”

From start to finish, the entire exam process takes an average of an hour to an hour-and-a-half, so visitors are expected to plan accordingly.

“We can move people through in a very efficient manner,” Nachazel said.

Moorhead said this event is perfect for veterans who don’t want to, or can’t, drive all the way to the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in downtown Detroit to get their eyes checked.

“The thought of doing that doesn’t really appeal to me,” he said.

Offering these exams at Post 108 keeps things “local” and allows veterans to “be around people (they’re) familiar with,” Moorhead explained.

Plus, everyone who comes for an eye exam that day will receive either breakfast or lunch at the post, free of charge.

To make an appointment for Oct. 29, 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 University of Santo Tomas Medical Alumni Association and Post 108.