DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m trying to locate an organization that takes used eyeglasses. The Lions Club used to have a collection box at Hannaford in Lewiston, but the box is no longer there. Can you help me? — Maureen, reeniesab1@aol.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots emailed her usual contact for the Lewiston Lions Club, Maryann, who told her that the Lewiston Lions are inactive this year.

However, Sun Spots has discovered that other Lions Clubs are still going strong. She spoke to Paul, who had just picked up eyeglasses at Pro Vision Center in the Auburn Mall, for the Mechanic Falls-Minot-Poland Lions.

He said that there are boxes around town in Auburn and surrounding regions and to check grocery stores, Marden’s and most local optometrists in cities around Lewiston.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am currently unemployed and do not qualify for MaineCare. I need some information on free eye exams. I tried AOA and New Eyes for the Needy.

They will help with glasses but not an exam. I do not qualify for AOA, because I do not have a caseworker. Do you know any doctors who are able to give a free eye exam? — Brian via email

ANSWER: The only source for this help Sun Spots found is again from the Lions Club. However, you must live in the town where the Lions are based for them to help you. As your letter came by email, Sun Spots does not know what town you live in.

You can go to https://directory.lionsclubs.org to find out if there is a club in your town. If not, the only thing Sun Spots can think of is to approach a local optometrist and see if he or she will consider a trade. Perhaps you can perform some chores in return for an exam. Mr. Sun Spots has such an arrangement: He fixes the snowplower’s computers.

(Sun Spots does not know what you mean by AOA, unless it’s the American Optometric Association?)

DEAR SUN SPOTS LADY: Once again, I turn to the excellent help seen daily in your column.

My husband suffered a stroke and was rushed to a hospital by an ambulance. As you know the first few hours after a stroke are critical to the potential for recuperation.

Wanting to get to the hospital ASAP, I called the ambulance company to learn which hospital he was being taken to. I identified myself as his husband, but they refused to tell me what hospital, citing HIPPA regulations.

Having worked for a hospital, I know that it is illegal to tell specifically which department they might be transporting him to, such as a cancer or heart ward, but could it possibly be illegal to tell me what hospital my husband was taken to at all?

The result was almost disastrous, and needless to say, caused our family much panic. Thank you for any light you can shed on this. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots contacted the ambulance agency, which said it is against their policy to respond publicly and contacted No Name privately.

That said, it seems likely that this was an oversight by someone, perhaps a new employee who was concerned about patient confidentiality and went too far? If readers have a similar situation, dispatchers should be able to reveal what hospital a loved one is taken to. Details about their condition are limited.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We’re hoping for an answer to this: Do we get as much Vitamin D from the sun through a window as from being outside? We appreciate your help. Thank you. — Denise, Lewiston

ANSWER: According to numerous websites, no. Some websites said a small amount might penetrate, but not enough to matter.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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