Russian Optometry Professionals Visit Muncie

(Muncie, IN) March 27, 2006 - Muncie Eye Center and Richmond Eye Center are hosting a delegation of Russian Optometry professionals in Muncie and Richmond from April 6th to April 23rd. The delegation is part of the Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP) administered by the non-profit, non-governmental organization Center for Citizen Initiatives (CCI). PEP is a nationwide program that brings Russian entrepreneurs and business owners to the United States for intensive industry-specific business training and cultural exchange.

While in East Central Indiana, the Russian delegates will stay in the homes of American volunteers and participate in a business management training program led by Muncie Eye Center, Richmond Eye Center, local ophthalmic and optometric professionals.

This training program aides Russia’s economy by providing small and medium-sized businesses with the knowledge and tools to operate efficiently. The home stays and cultural program are designed to increase cross-cultural understanding and build personal connections between two countries that were once adversaries. A few of the activities planned for the Russian delegates during their stay are a visits to Indiana University School of Optometry, city of Indianapolis tour, several local optometrists, and East Central Indiana Eye Center Group locations.

The Russian Optometrists Delegation is one of over 500 delegations PEP has brought to the U.S. since 1996. Every delegation includes a facilitator (group leader) and a professional interpreter, who assist in the transfer of knowledge and ideas between the delegates and their American hosts. PEP is a program of shared costs. The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs funds basic operational expenses (50%), Russian participants pay approximately 15%, and an impressive 35% of PEP’s cost is comprised of in-kind contributions and pro-bono services.

The Muncie Eye Center and Richmond Eye Center are affiliates of The Eye Center Group, which is the largest multi-specialty eye care practice in the state of Indiana. The Eye Center Group has on staff over twenty physicians board-certified and specialized in particular fields of eye care and offers thirteen locations throughout Indiana and Ohio, with offices close to Muncie and Richmond including, Anderson Eye Center, Portland Eye Center, Winchester Eye Center, Connersville Eye Center, Greenville Eye Center, and Eaton Eye Center. Muncie Eye Center and Richmond Eye Center services include the full range of comprehensive medical and surgical eye care including: Laser Vision Correction (refractive surgery), cataract IOL surgery, glaucoma, retinal disease and surgery, oculoplastics, diabetic eye care, and general eye disease.

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