Although the primary purpose of the University Health Center is to provide comprehensive health care for UGA students, several services are offered to faculty and staff. These include vision care, massage therapy, travel medicine and flu shots.
The Vision Clinic is located in the new addition on the first floor. All services are available to faculty, staff, spouses, domestic partners and dependants 4 years of age and older. Members of the UGA community receive an employee discount on all products.
The cost for an eye examination is $30. For contact lens fittings, an additional $25 is charged. The clinic is stocked with more than 1,300 eyeglass frames. Choices range from the most popular designer brands to a selection of value-priced frames.
In addition, the clinic offers many specialty items including prescription sports glasses, swim goggles, dive masks and safety and computer glasses. An onsite optical lab provides quick turn-around time for completed glasses.
The clinic also carries a large inventory of contact lenses and contact solution for same-day pick up.
Both non-prescription and prescription sunglasses are available, featuring the popular brands Ray Ban, Costa Del Mar and Oakley. A selection of readers and eyeglass jewelry also are for sale.
The clinic is staffed by Dr. Perry Giles, an optometrist with 15 years professional experience. His areas of specialty include the treatment of eye disease and expert contact lens fitting. Amy Stowers, a licensed optician, is the clinic manager.
Appointments can be made by calling (706) 542-5617. A valid UGA ID is required for service. The health center accepts cash, checks, all major credit/debit cards, Bulldog Bucks and med-flex plans.
The Vision Clinic will hold its “Eye-Poppin’ Open House” Sept. 10 from noon-4 p.m. Open free to the UGA community, the open house will include free vision screening, refreshments and games.
Visitors to the open house also can check out the health center’s massage therapy service. Licensed massage therapists Rene Guimaraes and Elizabeth Sheppard offer a variety of massage options including Swedish and deep tissue. They also offer the UHC Signature Massage which combines Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, myoskeletal alignment and reflexology. The massage therapy rooms, which include such amenities as aromatherapy and soft music, are located on the first floor of the health center in the physical therapy department. Massages for faculty and staff are $60 per hour or $40 for half an hour. Tips are not accepted. Call (706) 542-8634 to schedule an appointment.
The Travel Clinic is the one service that is open to the general community. It provides medical essentials for safe travel including immunizations and preventive medicine. Making an appointment in the Travel Clinic is recommended well in advance of travel to ensure time for appropriate vaccinations. Call (706) 542-5575.
The health center will offer seasonal flu shots to students, faculty, staff and faculty emeritus.
