WDFW Providing Vision check-ups for Free

[bobcat]

Has anybody seen this? I'm not sure if I'm in favor of it or not. Not that my opinion would matter anyway. I just don't know if my hunting license and tag fees should spent on this. I guess if it really makes hunting safer, but I'm not sure it will.   

Keep Your Vision On Target

Visual Acuity
Screening Form

Print out the form and take it
to your vision screening
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Good vision is an important component of safe hunting.  Hunters with a valid Washington hunting license are now eligible to receive a free visual acuity screening at participating optometrist locations across the state.  This offer is completely voluntary;  there is no compulsory requirement.

Find a participating optometrist in your area by visiting the Optometric Physicians of Washington (OPW) web site at www.eyes.org.  Click on the “Hunters Vision Screening” section and then type in the first two digits (e.g., 98 or 99) of your zip code area to obtain a complete list of participating optometrists.  The vision screening is simple, fast and free for individuals who present a valid Washington hunting license.

How often do you have your vision checked?  When was the last time you had your vision checked?  If you haven’t had your vision checked in the past 12 months, please consider a free, voluntary vision screening before you head afield this year.  Did you know….?

    * 45% of all hunting Washington hunting incidents between 1978 and 2008 were vision-related?
    * 20+% of victims in hunting incidents were shot by fellow hunters pursuing game birds?
    * 10% of victims in hunting incidents were mistaken for game by fellow hunters?

Make no mistake: Hunting today in Washington State is a very safe activity, but it’s also an activity that can be made safer.   Even one hunting incident is one too many.  The Optometric Physicians of Washington have partnered with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to offer this free, voluntary visual acuity screening.  Take a few moments now to schedule a vision screening and keep your vision on target.

The postcard below is also available at local hunting license vendors to present at a participating OPW location.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/vision/

[Curly]

My eye doctor is on the list.  I guess my next appointment will cost me a little less now.

I'm not in favor of the program unless the eye doctors are donating their services (which I highly doubt) but I might as well take advantage of the program.

[Atroxus]

I am not sure it's the best use of funds by DFW. I am also curious what happens if you get your eyes checked and find your vision is poor? Does the doctor have to report that to DFW since they are paying for the exam? If you can't afford corrective measure is that going to make it so you can't get licenses/tags? Once you have a bad eye exam will you be required to wear corrective lenses while hunting?

[Oldguy]

I very much doubt that this program is getting any money from the WDFW. It most likely is a way to get people into the office for a check up and then to sell eyeglasses and gain a new client. Nothing shady about this and a small benefit to hunters.