PURSUiNG MEdicAl cAREERS AFtER SERviNG thEiR cOUNtRy

CO students Nehal Verma, left, Connie Tsai, Vincent Cano, Director of Community Outreach Dr. Kristy Remick, studentsHarrison Tsang, Amanda La, Alaina Levine, Director of Assessment and Program Development Miki Carpenter, andstudent Christine Pham.Once they have completed the program, the childrenwill receive free comprehensive exams and any neededservices such as vision therapy, corrective glasses, andprescription or non-prescription medications.This extensive vision care program for children wasmade possible through a grant -- $15,000 per year fortwo years -- from Inland Empire United Way.According to Prevent Blindness America, 5 to 10percent of school-age children in the U.S. are affectedby vision disorders. Amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” is theleading cause of monocular blindness in children,even though the disorder is preventable.“The partnership with WesternU’s Eye Care Centerenhances and supports the goals of our after-schoolprogram,” said Hope Executive Director George Searcy.“If a child is suffering in school due to visionproblems, we can identify and help the family correctthe issue. This is a substantial benefit to the child andfamily.”“This funding from the Inland Empire United Way isso important, because many of these kids have nevereven had a comprehensive exam. We also know thatif kids who require eye care services get the care theyneed, they can even perform better in school,” saidMiki Carpenter, MPH, PhD, Director of Assessmentand Program Development for the College ofOptometry.WesternU optometry students will get to witnessfirsthand how children’s vision can be improved frombeginning to end.“This is a great part of community service because weget to work more closely with every vision therapypatient that comes through,” said fourth-year studentConnie Tsai. "We have the opportunity to personally“The goal is to provide low-incomechildren with greater access to eyehealth care and treatment.— Kristy Remick, OD“introduce each patient to the benefits of visiontherapy and watch their transformation as they movethrough the program. It'll be an amazing progression."Fourth-year students Alaina Levine, Christine Pham,Harrison Tsang, Amanda La, Connie Tsai, VincentCano, and second-year student Nehal Verma,participated in the Jan. 31, 2012 screening. A secondscreening took place on Feb. 7. Plans are in the worksfor additional screenings at other Hope ThroughHousing locations as the program continues.– Jeff MaletWesternU View Summer 2012 7