CHC Call to Action: 4th Annual Golf Classic

As Community Health Centers of the Central Coast (CHC) continues to build upon the services available to our patients, we must highlight the significant unmet need on the Central Coast for optometry services.

Statistics indicate that nearly half of all patients have a refractive error that requires corrective lenses to repair. Vision problems are further exacerbated by a CHC patient population that experiences high rates of diabetes, which worsens their vision, and farmworker patients who are exposed to harsh environmental work environments that damage eyesight over time. Farmworkers are more likely to suffer eye injuries and illnesses due to environmental exposures and working conditions when compared to all other industries. Despite this, they often delay seeing an eye doctor until their vision is severely impaired due to a lack of health insurance coverage or funds to pay for services.

CHC is working diligently to expand our optometry service line to address the tremendous need for vision and eye care in our community. To assist our efforts, CHC is asking the community for support as we work to provide the neediest of patients with eyeglass frames, corrective lenses, and eye exams. CHC is also seeking support for our first-ever Mobile Optometry Clinic that will travel to patients at locations such as their workplaces, schools, community gatherings, and health fairs.

We thank you for your continued support for the mission of CHC and the patients we serve as we continue our decades-long commitment to provide quality and comprehensive health services for ALL, regardless of ability to pay.