People who have little or no resources have to be able to see just like the next person, so a group of doctors recently donated their time to help out those less fortunate.
Top ophthalmologists, volunteers, and staff were at St. Joseph Center last Saturday to do free visual screenings for the center’s clients and to refer those who need eye care to the Venice Family Clinic for follow-up.
“We started doing this for the children five years ago, so they could see better in school,” said Dr. Michael Colvard, co-designer with his son, Matthew, of the Colvard Pupillometer, which aids in the preoperative evaluation of laser vision patients, “but then we realized that the parents needed vision care, too.”
Dr. Colvard is an internationally recognized leader in the field of laser technology in eye surgery and is an assistant clinical professor at the USC School of Medicine.
“He has been working with St. Joseph Center since his two daughters did community service here through Marymount High School,” said Maria Alderete, coordinator of volunteers. “His youngest daughter, Megan, has created a charitable foundation that provides funds for our ESL classes at our family center.”
Depending on the outcome of the visual screening, and if needed, clients are sent to the Venice Family Clinic for eyeglasses or further medical eye care.
“Here at St. Joseph Center we believe that everyone, regardless of income, has the right to the latest advanced research and treatment for eye care,” said Leticia Garcia-Greenman, director of family services.
St. Joseph Center provides emergency services, child care, case management, and senior services for homeless and low-income individuals and families on eight sites in Venice, Santa Monica and West Los Angeles.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 4, 2004. Read the original PDF.