Local optometrist joins effort to provide eye exams to Avenal residents

Garcia, a member of the California Optometric Association, and the founder of Family Eye Care in Lemoore, on Tuesday, provided comprehensive eye exams at the "Mobile Eyes" Clinic put on by VSP (a national non-profit insurance organization), Kings Community Action and Adventist Health in the rural community of Avenal.

Family Eye Care 

Senator Andy Vidak, who represents Kings County, was on hand to see how eye exams make a difference in his Central Valley community, where residents struggle with some of the highest unemployment in the state and country.

Dr. Jeff Garcia and patient in Avenal.

"The California Optometric Association is proud to work with Senator Vidak and VSP to improve access to health care with eye clinics like this one in Avenal,” said Garcia, of Lemoore’s Family Eyecare.  "Our eyes are a window into our body’s health, so doctors of optometry often play a crucial role in detecting the first signs of diabetes, hypertension and other life-threatening diseases.  We know that vision changes lives - helping us to work, learn and experience life.  In places like Avenal, where families experience high rates of poverty and face obstacles to reaching health care, eye clinics like this one play an important role in providing life-changing eye and vision care.”

Vidak was pleased with what he observed on Tuesday. “Some of the people coming to the mobile eye clinic have never been to an eye doctor before and haven’t had the ability to purchase glasses for their children or themselves,” he said. “Getting a pair of glasses for the first time can be life changing."

Garcia said that in places like Avenal, where families experience high rates of poverty and face obstacles to reaching health care, eye clinics like this one play an important role in providing life-changing eye and vision care.

“As a doctor of optometry in the Central Valley, I often see patients who come for an eye exam when a vision issue impedes their daily life, but maybe haven’t seen another medical provider in years,” he said.  “An eye exam is a great way to open a conversation about overall health.”