Beach Eye Care's team of professionals has strong ties to our community. Our staff participates in a wide array of campaigns to give back to area organizations that help those in need. It is our commitment to continue our service to our community and to assist organizations that need help. The following are just a few of the campaigns with which we have been recently involved:
Holiday Food Drive for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia
Beach Eye Care has provided assistance to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia for over 5 years and is asking for your help this year when community needs are at an all time high. With the help of their staff, friends, family, and patients, Beach Eye Care was able to provide over 150 pounds of food, 3 turkeys, and $1,000 in cash donations this Thanksgiving. Help them keep the spirit alive and continue their efforts to provide even more to those in need this holiday season. Visit Beach Eye Care in December and donate canned and non-perishable items to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.
2011 Komen Race for the Cure®
 On October 15th, more than 20 Beach Eye Care staff members, friends and family proudly participated in the Komen Tidewater Race for the Cure® to combat breast cancer. Our team organized "$5 Jeans Fridays," in which the Beach Eye Care staff donated $5 to dress casual for a great cause. We also organized raffles, bake sales, merchandise sales and donation opportunities for several months prior to the race. We applaud the combined effort of our Beach Eye Care team, whose hard work resulted in our contribution of over $1,600 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Beach Eye Care and Physicians for Peace need your help to provide eye care to the Philippines
March 2011
Beach Eye Care has partnered with Physicians for Peace to bring awareness of the shortfall in eye care in developing countries like the Philippines. The poor level of health care in strapped countries contributes to poverty and restricts economic growth. By offering cataract surgery and a simple pair of glasses to our neighbors in need, we allow them to work and provide for their families. No one should be denied the ability to see.
Dr. Neatrour will lead a group of medical professionals to the Philippines in mid-July to perform cataract surgery, teach local professionals, educate the resident Filipinos on diabetes/eye health, and distribute glasses. Our goal is to raise $10,000 to fund the medical equipment and supplies needed to help our neighbors see in Surigao del Sur, Philippines. Our fundraiser at Yotini's Yogurt Bar successfully launched our journey.
New yogurt bar dispenses community outreach
Click here to read the online article that originally appeared on Pilotonline.com
2010 Mayflower Marathon
November 2010
Beach Eye Care volunteers were proud to team up with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia for its annual Food Drive, the Mayflower Marathon. Activities included directing event traffic, greeting drivers, loading and unloading food, and preparing the food to be sorted evenly into boxes. We were happy to label cans, dry food, glass, and miscellaneous grocery items that were distributed to families in need. In total, 219,000 meals were collected and we were thankful to be part of something that meant so much to families all across Hampton Roads.
2010 Komen Race for the Cure®
October 2010
On October 16th, Beach Eye Care proudly participated in the Komen Tidewater Race for the Cure® to combat breast cancer. Our team organized "$5 Jeans Fridays," in which the Beach Eye Care staff donated $5 to dress casual for a great cause. We also organized raffles, bake sales, merchandise sales and donation opportunities for several months prior to the race. We applaud the combined effort of our Beach Eye Care team, whose hard work resulted in our contribution of $1,350 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
ASP Appalachia Service Project
June 2010
 "Rejuvenating" is the word that comes to mind as I describe my second trip as a member of the Appalachia Service Project to Hinton, West Virginia. Working with the youth of Community United Methodist Church and helping others in need has a way of cleansing the soul and recharging the heart. I joined 34 others, including 25 youth 14-25 years old, forming five teams of seven each. My team worked on the 75 year- old home of an EMT/volunteer firefighter with a heart condition, who could not do the work himself. We replaced the newspaper insulation and wood siding on his home with fiberglass insulation, OSB board, a moisture barrier, and vinyl siding.
This was the first trip for my 14 year-old son, Greg, who came with little construction experience and left with lessons that will impact the rest of his life. Greg worked under a trailer, digging and pouring footers to support its sagging floor. Despite the fifteen inches of clearance and the dirty work, he enjoyed the week as he built relationships with the other team members as well as the Appalachian families. He, too, found this week to exceed his expectations and looks forward to returning next year.
Other groups from Massachusetts and Maryland joined us for a total of 84 volunteers. The teamwork was inspiring and the experience immeasurably rewarding as we developed skills we didn't even know we had.
- G. Peyton Neatrour, MD
American Diabetes Association® Tour de Cure®
April 2010
 For the second year in a row, Beach Eye Care employees have raised awareness and held fundraisers to support the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in the ongoing search for a cure for diabetes. The Beach Eye Care Team of nine cyclists were particularly proud of their two Red Riders, employees diagnosed with diabetes, who showcased the courage it takes to live day to day with this chronic disease. The team remarkably collected $2,557, surpassing their $2,500 goal. Funds were raised not only by hosting raffles, bake sales, jewelry and Jolee accessory sales, but also by the ever popular "Denim for Diabetes" effort (Beach Eye Care employees donated $5 in order to wear jeans on Fridays). Additionally, employees encouraged the purchase of jersey card donations and contributions from friends and family. Thank you, patients and friends alike, for supporting the ADA's mission in their quest to prevent and cure diabetes. Improving the lives of all people affected by diabetes is an ongoing effort that requires extreme dedication and commitment. With 800 total riders riding in this year's Tour de Cure, the Beach Eye Care Team members all successfully completed the thirty mile ride. The employees hoped to raise overall awareness, as diabetic eye disease can lead to blindness and people with diabetes are predisposed to cataracts and glaucoma.
For additional information on the Tour de Cure, please visit www.tour.diabetes.org. Search the ADA's website at www.diabetes.org.
Relief to Haiti
January 2010
In recognition of the ongoing work of physicians and individuals of the United Methodist Church Committees on Relief (UMCOR), Beach Eye Care was proud to donate $500. With a substantial amount of relief going to the citizens of Haiti, the importance of the work of UMCOR volunteers is heralded. If you would like to contribute to their efforts, please visit new.gbgm-umc.org/Umcor.
Eye Care for the Southeastern Virginia Training Center
1988 - Present
Since 1988, Dr. Neatrour has been the resident ophthalmologist for the Southeastern Virginia Training Center (SEVTC) located in Chesapeake, Virginia. As a partner in the community operated by the State Department of Mental Health, SEVTC provides support for individuals with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities. SEVTC residents are offered education, habilitation, and health services supplemented by medical care by a psychologist, neurologist, ophthalmologist, podiatrist, and dentist. Dr. Neatrour developed the SEVTC eye clinic over twenty years ago and has regularly treated patients with cataracts, glaucoma, and strabismus - conditions oftentimes a result of the patient's drug treatment plan. Clinical diagnoses of conditions may be challenging since some patients are unable to communicate their needs. Dr. Neatrour works with the SEVTC staff to promote self-dignity, determination, and independence to help the residents lead a healthy lifestyle.
For more information on SEVTC, visit http://www.sevtc.dbhds.virginia.gov/.
Al Midgett (a.k.a Big Al), founder of the Noblemen of Virginia Beach, and Dr. Lipton, Beach Eye Care Optometrist, pack up to spread some holiday cheer at the local YMCA. Noblemen Toy Drive & Food Drive for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia
December 2009
The Beach Eye Care team headed by Dr. Lipton, a member of the Noblemen of Virginia Beach, collected a box full of toys by hosting a Holiday Sweater Contest at the First Colonial location. To compete, staff had to donate 3 items of food or 1 toy. Donations were given to the Nobleman and were then taken to the Early Childhood Discovery program at the YMCA. Beach Eye Care also collected and donated over 40 lbs of non-perishable food to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia during this event.
For more information on the Noblemen of Virginia Beach visit www.thenoblemen.org or for more information on the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia visit www.foodbankonline.org.
Southeast Virginia Street Rods Fundraiser
Benefits the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Blind and Visually Impaired
November 2009
 Beach Eye Care donated a gift certificate valued at $1,000 for Laser Vision Correction to the 17th annual charity picnic sponsored by the Southeast Virginia Street Rods. With $3,150 in total donations, the Street Rods chose the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Blind and Visually Impaired as the 2009 recipient. As Chris Wooldridge (Beach Eye Care's Director of Information Technology and Marketing) presented the gift certificate, he received artwork as a token of appreciation. The following is a letter from the President-elect of the Southeast Virginia Street Rods:
Dear Dr. Neatrour,
Thank you for your staff's dynamic participation with our 17th annual charity picnic. Having a partnership with Beach Eye Care has provided an expanded donation this year.
Our 2009 recipient is the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Blind and Visually Impaired. The addition of your $1,000.00 certificate towards corrective eye surgery to the proceeds raised at the annual (picnic) will generate an improved quality of life for this group through medicine and technology.
We salute your strides in the eye care community and look forward to a long standing relationship serving our community together.
Jeff Whitesell
President Elect
Southeast Virginia Street Rods
Komen Tidewater Race for the Cure®
 October 2009
Beach Eye Care proudly participated in the Komen Tidewater Race for the Cure® to combat breast cancer. In three months, Team Captain Candace J. led her team to raise $1,565.10 with "$5 Jeans Fridays", raffles, bake sales, Komen® sales, and online donations. On October 17, Candace and her 22 person Beach Eye Care team gathered at 31st Street Park in Virginia Beach to run, walk, and stroll – knowing that every step brings the world closer to the cure.
Appalachia Service Project
June 2009
Dr. Neatrour and his fifteen year-old daughter Katie spent one week this past summer repairing houses for those in need in Hinton, West Virginia. The Appalachia Service Project serves low-income families living in Central Appalachia by providing them vital housing services. From the ground to the roof, Dr. Neatrour and Katie volunteered on separate teams to weatherize homes for impoverished families.
 Dear Peyton...
Thanks so much for your hard work and constant positive attitude throughout the week at ASP. We really enjoyed your presence and hope you continue to volunteer with ASP.
We want to thank you for your donation to us and let you know that we've been are to accomplish so much with the extra funds including getting water and septic for the first time.
Thanks again! Peace + Love,
Summers Co. ASP staff
Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia
May 2009
Knowing this has been a cataclysmic year economically for some members in our community, Beach Eye Care donated $1,000 to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia to help alleviate the food shortage burden. Additionally, staff members and patients alike collected canned foods to help replenish the dwindling food supply at the Foodbank. We appreciated those who contributed to our cause.
June 2009
During a recent Maui Jim trunk show featuring top-of-the-line fashion sunglasses, Beach Eye Care was proud to collect over 90 pounds of non-perishable food items to donate to the Foodbank.
November 2008
The Beach Eye Care team contributed more than 150 pounds of food to donate to the Foodbank for distribution during the holiday season.
American Cancer Society
August 2009
Beach Eye Care participated in the American Cancer Society's Bachelor Auction by providing a discount of $1,000 toward any laser vision correction procedure.
Tour De Cure
April 2009
In an effort to raise awareness about diabetes, Beach Eye Care sponsored a three-person team who bicycled and raised funds for the Tour de Cure. In support of our cyclists, the entire staff joined the effort by hosting jewelry and bake sales. They also participated in the ever-popular "Jeans to Work" days. We proudly raised over $2,000 for this worthy cause.
Judeo Christian Outreach Center
September 2009
Several times each year, Dr. Neatrour and his family assist Community United Methodist Church in feeding the underprivileged at the Judeo Christian Outreach Center in Virginia Beach.
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