University students and staff can now keep their sights set on the University Health Center for all of their eye care needs.

The UHC Vision Clinic, which opened Aug. 10, is part of the $17 million expansion and renovation project being dedicated today at 3 p.m.

The clinic offers comprehensive eye exams, treatment for eye diseases and infections, and Lasik evaluations and follow-up visits for students, faculty and staff – as well as their spouses and dependents.

“We have anything you need in the area of vision and everything at a great price,” said Liz Rachun, health communications coordinator at the UHC. “The Vision Clinic is much cheaper than going to independent optometrists.”

Eye exams start at $30 with an increased cost for contact lens wearers. The Vision Clinic, located on the first floor of the UHC, also has a large inventory of designer and value-priced glasses, contact lenses, sunglasses and specialty sports glasses.

Glasses range in price from $60 to $400 and include popular brands such as Coach and Costa Del Mar.

Members of the University community qualify for a 15 percent discount on glasses and a 5 percent discount on contacts.

“Because we have an in-house lab in the clinic, patients can order glasses and specialty items, and they’ll be ready that same day,” Rachun said. “We’ve even had a couple people order prescription goggles and dive masks.”

The lab provides the equipment to make custom glasses and engrave initials and etchings onto frames. A line of red and black glasses and sunglasses with the Georgia “G” logo on the side is also in the making.

Amy Stowers, Vision Clinic manager and a Licensed Dispensing Optician, said the clinic has already seen more than 150 patients and sold about 70 frames since it opened.

“Internal satisfaction surveys have been excellent across the board, so people seem to be very pleased with the clinic,” Stowers said. “Students can make appointments for eye exams with Dr. Giles, but we can also fill any valid outside prescriptions.”

Perry Giles is the sole optometrist practicing at the Vision Clinic, but there is hopes to expand the staff.

Rachun said students have requested an on-campus vision clinic for years, but there was just a lack of room.

The Vision Clinic will celebrate its grand opening Sept. 10 at its “Eye-Poppin’ Open House.” The event, running from noon until 4 p.m., will include prizes, snacks, giveaways and free vision

screenings.