UCLA MOBILE EYE CLINIC
August 15, 2012 - In support of Children's Eye and Safety Month and to prepare for the new school year. The UCLA Mobile Eye Clinic, a 40-foot-long coach equipped with three eye exam stations, partnered with the Community Resource Center (CRC) to provide basic eye exams to 25 low-income children that reside in the Whittier unincorporated area. Patients were tested by the eye clinic's ophthalmologist and received free prescription eyeglasses, education on eye hygiene, and as needed, referrals for future treatment. The event captured the attention of Channel 7 news, the local Whittier Daily news, and Los Angeles County's cable show, LA Now.
The UCLA Mobile Eye Clinic provides high-quality eye care to underserved populations—particularly children and the elderly—who lack access to health care as a result of finances, transportation, or cultural and language barriers. Established in 1975 by an anonymous donor, the UCLA Mobile Eye Clinic remains a privately-funded outreach program operated by the Jules Stein Eye Institute. Their mission is to discover eye diseases or eye problems and try to get people connected to the care they need. Each year, the UCLA ophthalmologists provide 4,000 children and 1,000 adult examinations free of charge. In addition, they also provide 1,500 vision and glaucoma screenings at community events and supply approximately 400 free prescriptions.