“We have decided to take a different approach. We’re focused on recognizing barriers to ophthalmic care and overcoming them. Barriers can be financial, transportation- and mobility-related, geographic or related to attitudes and awareness,” he says.
With grants from local foundations, Dr. Waxman purchased portable equipment that would provide complete eye exams. The first location to benefit from the model was Verland. Verland is a facility for individuals with mental disabilities. Patients in these situations need stability and a sense of familiarity. Taking them away from their familiar environment and bringing them to a busy office is not always best for them. Additional mobile clinic sites have since been added: Birmingham Free Health Clinic, Squirrel Hill Health Center, Ninth Street Free Clinic in McKeesport and Catholic Charities Free Health Care Center. All these sites provide care to underserved populations in Pittsburgh and surrounding counties.
Dr. Waxman says that, “With our current equipment, crew and methods we have identified and treated numerous patients who would have lost vision otherwise.”
Many people in Pittsburgh are extremely thankful, and GES will continue to serve this community.
For more information about the Guerilla Eye Service, email eyecenter@upmc.edu, or call 412-864-3283.
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