Members of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry’s National Optometric Student Association chapter participated in the 18th Annual Greater Philadelphia MLK Day of Service at Girard College, 2101 S. College Avenue. Optometric interns from The Eye Institute along with clinical instructors, Dr. Neal Nyman, Dr. Ruth Shoge, and Dr. Selena Chu, gathered patient histories and performed vision screenings for members of the community. Given the appropriate indicators, the team also checked intraocular pressures. Over 40 patients were referred to The Eye Institute, the College's clinical facility for optometry students, for additional vision care.
According to Cerina Buchanan, NOSA Community chairperson, not only was this event beneficial to community residents, but it was also a great learning experience for the NOSA volunteers, especially given the "great company and supervision of the preceptors."
The day was a great success as people took advantage of additional screenings offered by students from Jefferson Medical College and Temple University School of Dentistry, and volunteers from the American Diabetes Association, National Kidney Foundation, and numerous other organizations.