by Susan Onuma on 2015-08-10

The Loma Linda University Eye Institute has received a gift of $75,000 from the Cheng Family Foundation in honor of George P. Cheng, MD, Loma Linda University School of Medicine alumnus, Class of 1946. “The Cheng Family Foundation’s $75,000 gift will allow us to continue to provide vision screening for children ages 0-5 in San Bernardino and Riverside counties,” said Dr. Jennifer Dunbar, program director for the George P. Cheng Vision Intervention Program, Loma Linda University Eye Institute. “This program, sponsored by the Cheng Family Foundation, enables us to further our work in the community. We are very grateful to the Cheng Family Foundation for its very generous donation.” The Cheng Family Foundation is comprised of the four adult children of George P. Cheng and Arlene Cheng: Jeannie Ling; Eugene Cheng, MD, LLU School of Medicine Class of 1979; Keith Cheng, MD, LLU School of Medicine Class of 1982; and Jennifer Cheng. The George P. Cheng Vision Intervention Program involves local Lions Clubs members who volunteer to be screeners as part of their Lions KidSight USA program. These volunteer screeners use the Welch Allyn Vision Spot Screener, a portable device able to quickly screen for a number of vision issues in children 6 months of age and older. If the screening determines the child requires further evaluation and treatment, the child will be referred to an optometrist or ophthalmologist in his or her area. The screenings are particularly useful in detecting amblyopia, a condition that can result in permanent vision loss if not treated early. The George P. Cheng Vision Intervention Program will begin providing screenings in September, with trained volunteers visiting preschools and other similar sites. The Loma Linda University Eye Institute is the leading provider of eye care in the Inland Empire. The mission of the institute is to excel in the areas of patient care, physician education, and clinical research. Cutting-edge technology and innovative surgical techniques serve patients with whole-person care within a Christian environment.