BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Medicaid members in Beckley now have access to free diabetic eye exams and A1C blood tests through a new partnership between Retina Labs and Wellpoint West Virginia. The initiative brings preventive screenings directly to residents with options for in-home appointments and local community health events, reducing transportation and access barriers.
This expansion is part of a statewide effort to help West Virginians catch early signs of diabetes-related complications before they become serious health issues, while making sure that residents of Beckley can receive services close to home.“For many Medicaid members, it’s the first time they’ve had easy access to a diabetic eye exam or A1C test without the barriers of travel or cost,” said Richard Pridham, president and CEO of Retina Labs. “Bringing screenings directly into communities like Beckley helps us catch problems early and support healthier lives.”
Retina Labs, a national leader in preventive screening services, provides mobile diagnostic technology and trained technicians to enable screenings to be completed outside traditional clinical settings. These services help detect early signs of eye disease and other diabetes-related complications that can lead to vision loss or more serious health conditions if untreated.
“Working with Wellpoint West Virginia has allowed us to make a real difference for people who might otherwise go without these vital screenings,” added Pridham. “By combining in-home visits with local community events, we’re helping more people take control of their health.”
In areas like Beckley, where reaching a doctor’s office may be difficult due to transportation, scheduling, or mobility challenges, the partnership helps more residents can complete the screenings needed to stay healthy.
“Access to preventive care shouldn’t depend on where you live,” said Tadd Haynes, president of Wellpoint West Virginia. “By offering these screenings directly in communities like Beckley, we’re making health care more accessible and giving people tools to manage their health before small issues become serious problems.”
Members who have already used the service say they appreciate the convenience of receiving care at home or in nearby community settings without the stress of travel.
“By helping members overcome common access barriers, including transportation and appointment availability, this partnership supports early detection and prevention to drive improved health outcomes across Beckley and the rest of West Virginia,” said Haynes.
