Veterans Raising Children: Vision Health Fair
Free Vision Screenings, Health Checks, VA Benefits and MORE for Veterans and Their Families. Saturday, February 28, 2026, 9AM-3PM 930 National Parkway, Schaumburg, IL
FREE VISION EXAMINATIONS
24% of Chicagoland area children have never had a vision screening and 63,000 children fail their eye screening the first time.
Come recieve comprehensive eye exams and vision health checks for you and your children, detecting issues early to protect your family's sight.
FREE MEDICAL SCREENINGS
27.6% of children have positive findings for chronic disease risks, including asthma (12.2%) and vision abnormalities (8.9%) after conducting a health screening.
Recieve a biometric screenings to check your baseline health and get immediate feedback on your blood pressure and vitals from our army of nursing volunteers.
BLOOD DONATIONS and MORE
Regular blood donors are 88% less likely to suffer a heart attack and 33% less likely to develop any type of cardiovascular disease.
Beyond health, we are here to support your whole self. Access veteran resources for housing, mental health, family support, education and career benefits directly on-site.
NO ID REQUIRED: FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED
The Veterans Raising Children Vision Health Fair is organized by FTD Ministry in partnership with the Department of Veteran Affairs Edward Hines Communication Outreach.
Know Before You Go: FAQ
What do I need to know?
The Veterans Raising Children Vision Health Fair offers vision examinations, health screenings, and VA benefit assistance at no cost to patients.
Who is served:
Veterans, their families, and all from the Community.
ID Requirements: There is no ID requirement and all services are free, we strongly request you bring your DD214 to help us connect you with specific VA benefits.
Vision Capacity:
Vision exams are limited to the first 150 patients. Unlike previous clinics, PreRegistration is strongly recommended to secure your time slot. Walk-ins will only be served if space permits.
What should I bring?
Your comfort and preparation will help the day run smoothly.
Documents: Please bring your DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to streamline your check-in and benefits review.
Current Eyewear: If you currently wear glasses or contacts, please bring them or your most recent prescription.
Medications: Bring a list of medications you take daily. If you require medication during the event hours (9 AM – 3 PM), please bring it with you.
Food/Water: If you are diabetic or have blood sugar concerns, please bring appropriate snacks. High blood sugar levels may prevent accurate health screenings.
Comfort: Wear comfortable clothing. There will be designated waiting areas, but prepare for a busy day.
What should I NOT to bring?
THE PRESENCE OF ALCOHOL, ILLEGAL DRUGS, OR FIREARMS WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DENIAL OF SERVICE AND REMOVAL FROM THE PREMISES.
What services does the Health Fair offer?
VISION: Complete dilated eye exams, testing for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, written prescriptions, and one pair of prescription glasses.
MEDICAL SCREENINGS: Non-invasive health checks including Blood Pressure, BMI, and general vitals. Note: These are screenings only, not full medical diagnoses.
VA BENEFITS: On-site representatives to review eligibility and benefits.
BLOOD DONATION: A mobile blood drive.
Do I need to make an appointment?
YES. Because the vision clinic is limited to 150 patients, we strongly encourage you to register online in advance. Walk-ins will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis only after registered guests have been served.
How do I get into the health fair?
Proceed to the main entrance at 930 National Parkway. You will check in at the Registration Desk to receive your Event Passport.
Can I get a ticket for a friend or family member?
Due to time constraints, for the eye exam please register individually, and please note all patients must be physically present to receive the screening and prescription. (You cannot secure a spot for someone who is not there).
What you should know about your glasses?
Receiving Your Glasses: Glasses are custom-made at a lab and will NOT be ready the same day. They will be mailed directly to your home within a few weeks of the event. Please ensure your address is correct at registration.
Bifocals: The free pair includes lined bifocals.
Progressive Lenses: If you medically require progressive (no-line) lenses, we have limited funding to cover this cost for a set number of veterans. Once this fund is depleted, patients may receive lined bifocals or pay the difference.
Can I volunteer at the Health Fair?
A: Yes! We welcome volunteers to help us serve our veterans and their families. Whether you can help with setup, registration, or guiding guests, we would love to have your support.
👉 To sign up, please register here: ftdministry.org/partner-registrationÂ