Dear RAM LA Vision Volunteers,

A big THANK YOU to those who participated in a recorded breaking RAM event held here in downtown Los Angeles.  The RAM LA vision clinic came to a successful close last Monday night around 9 pm.  I estimate that $832,075 dollars worth of eye-exams were provided free of charge by 420 Optometry Doctors & Students, Opthalmology M.D.s and Optical Techs.  3,331 patients received eye-exams and most of whom received new prescription glasses. Roughly 110 general volunteers helped in the eye-exam department alone and countless others in the dispensing area.

The following is a quote from Stan Brock himself “The Remote Area Medical event in Los Angeles broke all RAM records for eye exams. Volunteer vision care professionals provided eye exams to 3,331 people, most of whom received prescription glasses. In one day alone, volunteers examined 572 eye patients. The total patient count was 6,587, so over half of the patient population came for vision care and received it from a host of dedicated volunteer providers.”  Congratulations!  You guys ROCK! 

Here are the stats for number of vision patients who came through and got an eye exam:

Tuesday 4/27 = 375

Wednesday  = 490

Thursday = 490

Friday = 472

Saturday = 518

Sunday  =572

Monday = 414

I would like to take this opportunity to thank a few people who were instrumental to the success of this event.

Dr. John Nishimoto of SCCO who provided the Faculty support and optometry student resources

Lisa Higson & Jessica Duran SCCO students who organized and managed the student volunteer schedule for RAM

Dr. Shirley Hong & Dr. Julie Forester – VOSH-CA  co-presidents who vigorously campaigned  for medical supply donations and also  set the criteria for optimum patient management and flow

Corrie Pelc – COA Communications Manager who helped recruit Optometrist by promoting RAM LA through various COA Emelia Essilfie – American Career College of Optics professor who’s students were a great help in the dispensing department

Collard Rose, Lens Express and Orange Optical for providing 300 additional lenses which RAM was unable to provide

VOSH International – for donating 20,000 new frames to RAM USA

Allergan, Alcon for donating the medical supplies

Schools: Southern California College of Optometry, Western College of Optometry, American Career College of Optics and Downey NEI - patient education pamphlets

VSP – 100 vouchers for a full eye exam and prescription glasses from a VSP provider

UCLA – Julies Stein mobile eye clinic; The Lion’s Club van

I have not heard if there will be another RAM LA event next year or not.  If there is, I will be sure to let you know.

Thanks everyone!!!! 

-Deborah & Don  DeMaderios

A few pictures are here…www.vosh-california.org