I always knew I wanted to work in health care, but after college I was ready for a break from school. A job in a lumberyard in rural Georgia quickly straightened me out and I found myself on the road to Optometry School. Now, after almost 30 years in practice – and four kids, one brand new grandbaby, and multiple dogs, cats, goats, horses and chickens later – I can hardly believe I’m one of Arlington Free Clinic’s longest running volunteers.
I’ve been volunteering at Arlington Free Clinic once a month since 1999. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in people under 65, so it is critical that patients who are at risk receive eye exams. I’m evaluating them for bleeding in the eye that can cause vision loss. If it’s caught, treatments are available – just last month, I referred two patients for a procedure that can save their sight.
Preventing unnecessary blindness is critical, but many patients have other needs, including eyeglasses and treatment of dry eye and glaucoma, that must be addressed to ensure they’re seeing as well as possible. AFC’s diabetic eye clinic has morphed into primary eye care thanks in part to Lloyd Bell, an ophthalmic photographer who started volunteering as my assistant several years ago. Lloyd works with the Lions Club Eye Health Program to access hundreds of donated glasses. After I write a prescription, Lloyd helps select a pair of glasses that the patient is able to walk out with that night.
Being able to provide health care is both a gift and a responsibility. I am unbelievably fortunate in life, and volunteering at AFC is a way to give back to the community. No matter how tired I am at the end of my regular work day, AFC is a refreshing environment with challenging, appreciative patients. Volunteering at the Clinic is a joy.