Northwest AHEC is proud to partner with Wake Forest University School of Medicine (WFUSM) on two powerful community health initiatives: the Share the Health Fair (STHF) and its vision-focused spin-off, Project SEE. Together, these programs are making a meaningful difference by expanding access to essential preventive care—especially for individuals who may otherwise face barriers to services.
A Legacy of Community Impact
Now celebrating its 20th year, the WFUSM Share the Health Fair is a large annual event held at Downtown Health Plaza. Each year, the fair brings together 300+ medical students, residents, and faculty volunteers to provide more than 15 free health screenings, along with navigation and follow-up support for participants who need ongoing care.
Building on the success and community need identified through the STHF, Project SEE was developed to focus specifically on eye health. Offered multiple times throughout the year, Project SEE provides free vision screenings, prescription glasses, and access to ophthalmology expertise—services that can be life-changing for many community members.
Both programs are led by WFUSM medical students and made possible through the dedicated support of:
- Ms. Monica Brown, Administrator and Executive at Downtown Health Plaza
- Ms. Melanee Mills, Northwest AHEC Health Careers Coordinator
- Dr. Michael Lischke, the Richard Janeway MD Distinguished Director of Northwest AHEC & STHF Faculty Advisor
Their leadership and collaboration help ensure these initiatives run smoothly and continue to serve as vital resources in our region.
Strong Partnerships, Clear Vision
A key component of Project SEE’s success is its partnership with the local Lions Club, which generously donates prescription eyeglasses. WFUSM medical students take the lead in:
- Cleaning and repairing donated glasses
- Measuring and categorizing each pair
- Preparing them for distribution
All clinical activities are overseen by WFUSM Ophthalmology faculty, ensuring quality care and appropriate guidance. Glasses are then provided on-site to participants who are screened and identified as needing vision correction—often immediately improving quality of life.
Project SEE by the Numbers
(Tracking data since May 2025)
- 255 total participants received free vision screenings (239 adults / 16 children)
- 137 participants received prescription glasses (88 adults / 10 children)
- 49 new adult vision screenings were completed in February
- 19 new adult participants had prescription glasses ordered in February
- 11 new adults were referred for follow-up care in February
- 23 total participants have been referred for follow-up care to date (21 adults / 2 children)
- 37 medical students have been trained to date, including 6 new students trained in February
These numbers reflect not only community need, but also the hands-on learning experience Project SEE provides for future physicians—combining service, clinical skill development, and community engagement.
Join Us at the Next Project SEE Event
The next Project SEE Eye Health Screening Event will be held:
📅 April 18
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Downtown Health Plaza
Services Provided at No Cost:
- Free eye health screenings
- Free prescription glasses (when available)
- Free consultation with an ophthalmologist
No insurance is required, and all community members are welcome.
Project SEE exemplifies what’s possible when academic institutions, community organizations, and passionate volunteers come together with a shared goal—helping our neighbors see healthier futures. Northwest AHEC is honored to support this work and looks forward to continuing these impactful partnerships for years to come.
Our staff once again rolled up our sleeves and focused their efforts on preparing lunches and baking homemade treats for families staying at the House—helping ensure families had one less thing to think about as they supported their children during medical care.
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