Neighborhood Health Clinic Receives $20,000 Grant to Expand Eye Care Access in Collier County

NAPLES, Fla. — Neighborhood Health Clinic has been awarded a $20,000 grant from The League Club to enhance access to advanced eye care services for underserved residents in Collier County.

The funding will support the purchase of a portable DRS Plus Retinal Camera, a diagnostic tool that captures high-resolution images of the retina to help detect and monitor serious eye conditions. The investment is expected to significantly expand the clinic’s ability to provide early detection and treatment for patients at risk of vision loss.

“The grant represents a meaningful step forward in improving access to quality health care in our community,” said Keith Maples, chief executive officer of Neighborhood Health Clinic. “It allows us to reach patients who may not otherwise receive timely eye care, particularly those managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.”

The retinal camera will be housed within the clinic’s Ophthalmology Suite and operated by licensed volunteer providers. Specialists from the Florida Lions Eye Clinic and Naples Lions Club will also utilize the equipment to deliver comprehensive eye exams both on campus and through community-based outreach initiatives.

Portable functionality will enable providers to conduct pop-up clinics across Collier County, extending services to populations that face barriers to routine care. These efforts include vision screenings for children, diagnostic services for adults managing chronic illnesses and support for working individuals with limited access to optical care.

Retinal imaging plays a critical role in identifying early signs of conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration and retinal detachment. According to clinic officials, more than 70% of patients served by Neighborhood Health Clinic show symptoms related to chronic metabolic conditions, underscoring the importance of early detection and intervention.

The League Club has a longstanding history of supporting nonprofit initiatives in Southwest Florida. Over the past 39 years, the organization has awarded more than $8 million in grants across Collier and Lee counties, focusing on programs that benefit children, families, education and the environment.

Neighborhood Health Clinic, a volunteer-driven nonprofit, provides comprehensive medical and dental services to uninsured, working adults in Collier County. The organization relies on the support of approximately 250 physicians, 50 dentists, 100 nurses and 300 non-medical volunteers. It has maintained a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator since 2012 and holds a Platinum rating from Candid.

Officials say the new equipment will help bridge critical gaps in care, ensuring more residents have access to preventative eye health services and timely diagnosis, ultimately reducing the risk of long-term vision complications.

Collaborator Credits: Marcie Burland