Page 32 - WesternU View Summer 2019

Optometry student Jeanette Ramirez with patient Maria Ortega Delozano. Optometry student Alvin Alegado with patient Beatrice Andarza.

WesternU College of Optometry provides

continuity of care for Care Harbor patients

By Rodney Tanaka

Western University of Health Sciences College of She posted a selfie featuring her new frames on Facebook
Optometry faculty, staff and students volunteered right after her exam.
Saturday, June 8, 2019 to distribute 218 eyeglasses to
“They’re so cute. I feel really good,” Sullivan said. “I can
Care Harbor Fairplex patients.
see super clear. My eyes get tired and cross-eyed. This will
WesternU was heavily involved in bringing the Care help.”
Harbor mega clinic to Fairplex in Pomona April 27-28,
College of Optometry student Genesis Garibay, who is
2019. Patients who ordered free prescription glasses that
entering her third year of school, said she volunteered at
could not be completed on-site were asked to pick them
the glasses distribution because she wanted to follow
up at the WesternU-Pomona campus.
through with the patients she examined at Care Harbor
College of Optometry Coordinator of Third Year Clinical Fairplex.
Education Efrain Castellanos, OD, MS, FCOVD, and
“I actually helped patients pick frames that day. I wanted
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Ida Chung, OD,
to come and make sure they received their glasses and are
MSHE, FCOVD, FAAO, provided supervision and
happy with them,” she said. “The patients are so grateful.
assistance to 16 optometry students, who checked the
They’re really happy with the glasses. It’s rewarding to see
patients’ prescriptions and ensured the glasses fit properly.
them get the care they deserve and they need.”
VSP provided 314 eyeglasses to WesternU for
distribution. Care Harbor will mail glasses that were not El Monte resident Beatrice Andarza said she has
picked up to the patients. Medicare, but her coverage only allows her to get new
glasses every other year. Her prescription has changed a
For those who were able to pick them up, the free glasses
lot, she said, and she needed new glasses.
were appreciated.
“I feel happy now that I can see with these glasses,” she
“I love them. I haven’t had prescription glasses in so long.
said. “It is so nice that they offer this.”
I’m excited,” said Pomona resident Cassandra Sullivan.

30 | WESTERNU VIEW Summer/Fall 2019