ESCONDIDO -- Preserve your vision with advice from Palomar Pomerado Health at a March 8 forum. "Five Pearls of Eye Health" will be presented from 7 to 9 p.m. in Escondido at Palomar Medical Center's Graybill Auditorium, 555 East Valley Parkway.

Admission is free. To register, call (800) 628-2880.

Speaking will be ophthalmologist David Plotner, M.D., who is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American College of Surgeons.

The event will include information such as dietary changes that could lead to better vision and tips on how to properly use prescriptions. In addition, Plotner will discuss the latest treatments for cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Explore sound's treasures

ESCONDIDO -- The March 10 meeting of the Escondido Hearing Loss Association will discuss "A Treasure Chest of Sounds." Refreshments and a raffle are offered by this support group dedicated to individuals with hearing loss.

The group meets in the auditorium in the Joslyn Senior Center, 210 Park Avenue. For more information, call Sylvia at (760) 745-5408.

Up to $5,000 in child health services available

As much as $5,000 worth of health care services for children whose expenses are not fully covered by health insurance is available from the UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation.

Parents and caretakers are eligible to apply for health care services to help improve health and quality of life. Applications are available at www.uhccf.org/apply.html.

Types of medical services covered include speech therapy; physical therapy and psychotherapy sessions; medical equipment such as wheelchairs, braces, hearing aids and eyeglasses; and orthodontia and dental treatment.

Children must be 16 and under. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States and be covered by a commercial health insurance plan.

Health insurance help

VISTA -- Vista Community Clinic helps low-income families get health insurance and assists in preparing applications for Healthy Families and Medi-Cal.

The service is free, but an appointment is required. The following documents are required for the application: copy of the applicant's birth certificate; Social Security card; proof of income (such as pay stubs for the most recent month, an employer's letter or, if self-employed, a copy of IRS Form 1040).

For more information and to make an appointment. call Rosie at (760) 407-1220, Ext. 126.

Low-cost prenatal health services available

VISTA -- Vista Community Clinic offers prenatal care, including medical and educational classes. The clinic assists with medical visits, health education, nutrition counseling, ultrasound and non-stress tests, lab work, childbirth classes and counseling services.

Vista Community Clinic is a Comprehensive Perinatal Services Provider for Medi-Cal patients. Clinic staff will help prepare applications for Medi-Cal and AIM (Access to Infants and Mothers insurance). Vista Community Clinic also accepts private insurance and offers cash programs for prenatal care and delivery at Tri-City Medical Center. Clinics are located throughout Vista and Oceanside. For locations and appointments, call (760) 631-5220.

Blood drives

The San Diego Blood Bank bloodmobile accepts accept blood donations at numerous North San Diego County and Southwest Riverside County locations. Anyone who is at least 17 years old, in good health and weighs at least 110 pounds may be eligible to give blood. A good meal is recommended before donating.

For donor requirements or to make an appointment at any of the blood drives listed below, call the San Diego Blood Bank at (800) 4MY-SDBB or visit www.sandiegobloodbank.org. Walk-ins are also taken, if an opening is available.

Unless otherwise noted, the locations listed below are in the parking lot:

- Today, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Solana Beach, Solana Beach Presbyterian Church, 120 Stevens Ave.

- Today, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Encinitas, St. Andrews' Episcopal Church, 890 Balour Drive.

- Monday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Temecula, Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Pkwy., West Ballroom.

- Monday, 2 to 7:30 p.m. Solana Beach, Vons at 931 Lomas Santa Fe Drive.

- Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Carmel Valley, Cathedral Catholic High School Campus Center - Wresting Center, 5555 Del Mar Heights Road.

- Tuesday, 10 a. m. to 3 p.m., Temecula, Rubio's, 32105 Hwy 79.

- Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m, Temecula, Chick-Fil-A, 40531 Margarita Road.

- Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lake Elsinore, Cold Stone Creamery, 29261 Central Ave.

- Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Menifee, Menifee Valley Middle School, 26255 Garbani Road.

- Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Del Mar, Del Mar City Hall, 1050 Camino Del Mar.

- Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sabre Springs, Prudential California Realty, 13400 Sabre Springs Pkwy, Ste. 100.

- Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.Valley Center, Harrah's Rincon Casino & Resort, 777 Harrah's Rincon Way.

- Friday, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Solana Beach, Henry's Market, 659 Lomas Santa Fe Drive.

- Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Temecula, Professional Hospital Supply, 41980 Winchester Road.

- Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Temecula, Henry's Marketplace, 32389-32425 Highway 79 South.

- Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Vista, Postal Annex, 770 Sycamore Ave. Ste. J.

- Mar. 3, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ramona, Albertson's, 1459 Main St.

- Mar. 4, 7;30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Rancho Bernardo, Hope United Methodist Church, 16550 Bernardo Heights Parkway.

- Mar. 4, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m, Carmel Valley, St. Therese of Carmel, 4343 Del Mar Trails Road.

- Mar. 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Rancho Bernardo, St. Bernard Software, 15015 Avenue of Science.

- Mar. 5, 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Poway, CVS/Pharmacy, 12358 Poway Road.

- Mar. 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Poway, HME/Kontron America Parking Lot, 14110 Stowe Drive

- Mar. 6, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Carmel Valley, Piazza Carmel Shopping Center, 3820 Valley Center Drive.

- Mar. 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Rancho Bernardo, Bernardo Heights Corporate Center, 10805 Rancho Bernardo Road.

- Mar. 6, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Poway, Mitchell 1, 14145 Danielson Drive.