Toe River Project Access

Toe River Project Access was proud to partner with Dr. Marvin Walker, Dr. Diane Walker, and their staff at Appalachian Eye Associates during our recent Free Eye Exam Day to help provide much-needed vision care services to residents of Mitchell County.

When we first reached out to ask if they would participate, they didn’t hesitate. They were immediately happy to help because they understand the great need that exists in our rural communities and see firsthand the struggles many families face when they do not have vision insurance coverage.

For many people living in Mitchell County and throughout rural Western North Carolina, affordable health insurance often feels out of reach — and even for those who do have medical coverage, routine vision care is often not included. Many residents are surprised to learn that while they may have health insurance, it does not cover preventive eye care, leaving them without access to important exams and screenings that can detect problems early and protect long-term eye health.

Barriers such as high costs, lack of vision coverage, transportation challenges, and limited provider availability often prevent families from receiving the care they need. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of Dr. Marvin Walker, Dr. Diane Walker, and their staff, local residents were able to receive free vision screenings and comprehensive eye exams close to home.

We are deeply grateful to Dr. Marvin Walker, Dr. Diane Walker, and their staff at Appalachian Eye Associates for their compassion, willingness to serve, and commitment to improving the health and well-being right here in our community.

Thank you for recognizing the need and stepping up to help our neighbors— one patient, one exam, and one brighter future at a time. 💚

💙 Giving the Gift of Clear Vision to Our Community 👓
Toe River Project Access was honored to partner with Dr. Moore and the team at Aldridge Eye Institute during their Free Eye Exam Event last month to help bring much-needed vision care services to our community.

In an effort to support community members in need, they warmly opened their doors to provide essential care. They offered free vision screenings and comprehensive eye exams to 20 residents of Yancey County, ensuring that these vital services were accessible without any cost to the patients.

During the event, the team was also able to identify a community member in need of cataract surgery and quickly respond to that important medical need. Moments like this remind us how life-changing access to routine eye care can truly be.

A few patients who had Medicare insurance were unaware they had access to preventive vision services and free eye exams through their coverage. Helping community members better understand and utilize their benefits is another important step toward improving access to care.

Yancey County and many neighboring rural counties continue to face challenges in accessing affordable vision care and understanding their coverage options. For many families in Western North Carolina, barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, transportation challenges, and limited provider availability can make receiving eye care difficult. Thanks to the generosity of community partners like Aldridge Eye Institute, local residents were able to receive quality care close to home.

We are also incredibly thankful for Misty Arrowood, Practice Manager at Aldridge Eye Institute, whose passion for serving the community was evident throughout the event. Even after a successful day of caring for patients, she was already discussing ways we can work together to improve and serve even more neighbors during next year’s event.

We are deeply thankful for Dr. Moore and the entire Aldridge Eye Institute team for their kindness, professionalism, and commitment to improving the health and well-being of our community.

Thank you for helping our neighbors see a brighter future — one patient at a time. 💚