Meridian, Eye Care For Detroit to Distribute Nearly 3,800 Reading Glasses to Michigan Seniors

DETROIT, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Meridian is partnering with Eye Care For Detroit to donate nearly 3,800 pairs of reading glasses to Michigan seniors, helping them more easily read prescription labels, discharge instructions and other everyday information that supports their health, safety and independence.

Eye Care For Detroit will distribute the reading glasses through community outreach events in underserved communities throughout Southeast Michigan.

The donation builds on Meridian's ongoing partnership with Eye Care For Detroit to support access to preventive vision care, particularly for seniors who are homebound or face barriers to care.

"For many seniors, staying healthy depends on everyday supports that are easy to overlook," said Dianalynn Smith, Vice President of Quality Improvement, at Meridian. "By working with Eye Care For Detroit, Meridian is helping bring a practical vision resource closer to older adults who may face barriers to accessing the care and support they need."

Clear vision plays an important role in helping older adults manage everyday tasks, from reading medication labels and appointment reminders to reviewing health information. Research has found that older adults with vision impairment experience a 25% higher prevalence of falls than those without vision impairment, underscoring the broader impact vision can have on health, safety and independence. By donating approximately 3,800 pairs of reading glasses to seniors across Michigan, Meridian is helping improve access to a practical resource that supports clearer near vision for daily activities.

"When a senior can't read clearly, everyday tasks can become health and safety risks, from reading a prescription label to following discharge instructions," said Dr. Cleamon Moorer Jr., founder of Eye Care For Detroit. "Reading glasses may seem simple, but for many older adults, they can help preserve independence, confidence and connection."

About Meridian Health Plan of Michigan, Inc. 

Meridian provides government-sponsored managed care services to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs primarily through Medicaid (Meridian), Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Wellcare), Medicare-Medicaid Plans, including Wellcare Meridian Dual Align (HMO D-SNP), and the Health Insurance Marketplace (Ambetter from Meridian). Meridian is a Centene Corporation company. For more information, visit www.mimeridian.com.

About Eye Care For Detroit

Eye Care For Detroit (doing business as Eye Care for Michigan) is an award-winning nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to vision care for underserved and homebound seniors across Michigan. Through mobile "clinics on wheels," a walk-in vision center on Detroit's west side, community-based outreach, and partnerships with health plans and aging agencies, the organization delivers medical eye exams, eyeglasses, and practical vision supports that help older adults maintain independence, safety, and quality of life. Founded by Dr. Cleamon Moorer Jr., the organization continues to expand its reach statewide and its mission of delivering vision care.

SOURCE Meridian of Michigan