The Floating Hospital, a New York City-based non-profit organization that has been providing healthcare services since 1866 to homeless families and families living below the poverty line, has debuted a full-service optometry practice at its main clinic at 21-01 41st Ave. in Long Island City.
Thanks to grants from HRSA under ARPA capital funding, along with private funding from the Sarah de Coizart Trust, the organization is able to furnish three suites for exams and testing and hire one optometrist. The new practice is anticipated to serve approximately 1,200 patients annually.
The program offers comprehensive eye examinations, vision testing with prescription services, diabetic eye examinations and monitoring and treatment for infections and injuries. The new practice will also diagnose and arrange referral care for such serious eye conditions as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. In addition, durable prescription eyewear will be available on-site at the clinic, including child-specific frame options.
“We work with a population that is often more focused on finding food and shelter, than trying to navigate multiple healthcare issues, which is why we provide as much care as we can,” said Sean Granahan, president and general counsel, The Floating Hospital. “Getting funding that enables us to expand services like specialties and deliver healthcare that helps get people back on their feet, is both a relief and a privilege.”
In addition to optometry, The Floating Hospital’s core services include primary medical care, dental care and behavioral health services (including therapy and medication management). It also offers chronic disease management of conditions like asthma, diabetes, hypertension, sexually transmitted diseases and skin conditions.
