Serving Local Veterans in Outreach Eye Clinic

This past November, the UMass Eye Team was invited to join the UMass Multidisciplinary Diabetes Outreach Clinic, a volunteer clinic led by UMass vascular surgeon Dr. Tammy Nguyen. On the day after Veterans Day, the clinic gathered to help homeless veterans and their families in the Worcester community at Veterans, Inc, one of the largest organizations serving veterans in New England.

We performed dilated exams, checked vision and eye pressure on homeless veterans with the help of residents, including Dr. Luke Naman, and attendings, Dr. Botsford and Dr. Kassira. Medical students interested in ophthalmology followed individual patients through their whole exam and listened to veteran stories and experiences. In addition, we provided donations, like toiletries, clothing and shoes. The next free clinic is in June 2023, and we are accepting donations, such as glasses. Many thanks to fourth year medical student, Claire Meyerovitz and ophthalmology resident, Dr. Lauren Colwell, who helped organize the first of many ophthalmology clinics for those in need.