WesternU College of Optometry provides care at Anaheim Health Fair

Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry faculty and students volunteered at the Anaheim Health Fair, organized by Lestonnac Free Clinic at the Anaheim Convention Center Sept. 28, 2024.

Many health care providers and students came together to assist the community by providing free dental, vision and medical services for the Anaheim community, resulting in an estimated total value of $89,285 of free services, according to Lestonnac Free Clinic’s Instagram post.

Since 2021, the College of Optometry has partnered with Lestonnac Free Clinic to provide eye care services and spectacle correction for the community at this event. The health fair had two pre-testing stations, five lanes for entrance testing, seven lanes for refraction, and seven stations (SLE/BIO) for ocular health assessments. The stations were all supported by the College of Optometry student interns listed below. The College provided eye care services to 139 patients, with 17 of those patients being identified as needing more advanced services (glaucoma work-up, Ophthalmology/Retina consultation), said College of Optometry Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs Raymond R. Maeda, OD, FAAO.

“I truly appreciate all of the students and faculty members who helped make this event a great success – thank you!” Maeda said. “This was the most patients we have seen in one day for this event, so we made a significant impact on the members of this community.  I hope this event was meaningful for everyone who participated:  helping you grow clinically, realizing the impact you have as a health care provider and hopefully encouraging you to participate in these events throughout your academic and professional careers.”