MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Ohio County area children suffering from vision problems are benefitting from a $17,560 gift to the West Virginia University Eye Institute from the Martha Parlin Trust through WesBanco Trust and Investment Services.
The donation to the Children’s Vision Rehabilitation Program (CVRP) helps young people with low or no vision continue to gain skills, knowledge, and confidence through clinics and summer institute camps, improving their chances for future independence and happiness.
“We are grateful for the support the Martha Parlin Trust provides the WVU Eye Institute. This gift will greatly benefit children with low vision rehabilitative needs in Ohio County receive the same opportunities as their sighted peers,” Ronald L. Gross, M.D., director of the WVU Eye Institute and chair of the WVU Department of Ophthalmology, said.
Thanks to financial support from area foundations, businesses, and individuals, the CVRP is able meet the growing demands for low vision rehabilitation services throughout the state.
“With the support of the Martha Parlin Trust, the CVRP can continue to support children with vision impairments in and out of the school environment, teachers, and parents. The continuity of support allows the CVRP to build and expand programs based on the specific needs of the child,” Rebecca Coakley, CVRP program director, said.
WesBanco has a history of assisting the WVU Eye Institute in providing low vision rehabilitation. WesBanco, Inc. is a multi-state, bank holding company headquartered in Wheeling that operates 111 banking offices in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
The WVU Eye Institute offers a full range of routine and complex eye care services, including subspecialty medical and surgical treatment, laser vision correction, and comprehensive eye exams. It houses the Vision Research Center, where researchers are finding better ways to treat and cure eye diseases.
The gift was made in conjunction with A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University. The $1 billion fundraising effort being conducted by the WVU Foundation on behalf of the University runs through December 2017.