HPU Offers Free Eye Exams to the Community with the Opening of the High Point Eye Institute
High Point University’s new School of Optometry has opened the High Point Eye Institute and will offer free eye exams for a limited time to help community members and their families. Pictured at right was Dr. Annette Bade, associate dean of clinics at the School of Optometry, and Dr. Maryke Neiberg, professor of optometry and director of assessment.
HIGH POINT, N.C., Aug. 21, 2026 – High Point University’s new School of Optometry has opened the High Point Eye Institute and will offer free eye exams for a limited time to help community members and their families. This offer comes at an especially important time of year as students across the area are heading back to school.
“We are proud to offer this opportunity as part of our commitment to improving access to quality eye care and helping individuals and families prioritize their vision health,” said Dr. Catherine Heyman, founding dean of the School of Optometry. “The High Point Eye Institute is committed to serving patients and families at every stage of life, from young children to older adults.”
By establishing the High Point Eye Institute now, the School of Optometry is building the clinical infrastructure, community partnerships and diverse patient population necessary to support its long-term mission of providing exceptional patient care and optometric education. It will be North Carolina’s first optometry school.
Serving the community is at the heart of the institute’s mission, Heyman said. Whether someone needs a routine eye exam, treatment for an eye condition, specialized vision care or urgent eye care services, the HPU team is equipped to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.
To take advantage of HPU’s no-cost comprehensive eye exam offer, individuals should contact the institute and schedule an appointment before Sept. 7. Because appointment availability is limited and demand is high, community members are encouraged to schedule their exam as soon as possible by calling 336-841-2970, visiting hpueyehealth.com or emailing the institute at [email protected].
To qualify, patients must be able to complete their exam by Sept. 30. The institute is located at the College Village Shopping Center at 1145 East Lexington Avenue in High Point. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We understand that financial barriers can sometimes prevent individuals and families from seeking routine eye care, despite the important role regular eye examinations play in maintaining overall health and identifying vision concerns early,” Heyman said. “By offering no-cost comprehensive eye examinations throughout September, we hope to make eye care more accessible, encourage healthier outcomes through early detection and help community members establish lasting relationships with trusted eye care providers. As we open the High Point Eye Institute, we are proud to invest in the health and well-being of the High Point community. This initiative reflects our commitment to expanding access to quality care, advancing eye health and serving our community with compassion and excellence.”
Good vision is essential for student success, Heyman said.
“Studies have shown that a significant portion of classroom instruction is delivered visually, so undetected vision problems can affect a child’s ability to read, concentrate, participate in class and reach their full academic potential,” Heyman said. “A comprehensive eye examination before the school year begins can identify vision issues early, allowing children to receive the care they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom. By ensuring students start the school year with healthy vision, we are helping to support their confidence, learning and overall well-being. Ultimately, our goal is to remove barriers to learning by providing access to high-quality eye care and helping every child see clearly and thrive.”
By offering a wide range of services in one location, the High Point Eye Institute helps ensure that community members and families can access the eye care they need close to home. Specialty services include adult primary eye care, pediatric eye care and vision therapy, as well as ocular disease management, specialty contact lenses, dry eye treatment, traumatic brain injury care and urgent eye care services.
“Our goal is to improve vision, enhance quality of life and make exceptional eye care accessible to the communities we serve,” Heyman said. “Patients will be cared for by the High Point Eye Institute’s experienced faculty clinicians and eye care team. Each patient can expect a personalized experience that begins with our welcoming clinic staff and optometric technicians, followed by a one-on-one evaluation with a licensed optometrist. During the visit, the doctor will perform a thorough eye examination, clearly explain the findings, answer questions and develop an individualized treatment plan. Our team is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care while helping community members better understand and protect their vision health.”