ANYONE WHO WORKS in the medical field knows that their career is more than just a job. It is a daily commitment to help people using the knowledge and skills obtained through education and experiences. Therefore, it is not unusual for medical professionals to engage their discipline in underserved communities. For optometrists, there are many opportunities to do our part to improve public health and connect with the community in meaningful ways. Having done extensive work in a clinic that specifically serves people who are uninsured or receiving Medi-Cal, I have learned and observed three major ways for optometrists to tackle eyecare in underserved areas.
First, knowledge is power in every aspect of life and optometry is no exception. Patient education is absolutely vital, no matter their socioeconomic status. In my experience, it is not uncommon to have a patient over 50 years of age who is coming in for their first eye exam. Whether it is a first-time or existing patient, every person should leave the office with increased knowledge about the health of their eyes and their bodies. Taking the extra five minutes to explain findings or diagnoses can be truly life-altering. Being equipped with knowledge of their vision quality as well as that of preventative care gives patients the power to take control of their health, leading to better long-term outcomes. In addition, they are likely to share this knowledge with the people around them, empowering their friends and family to understand their health and well-being.
The second element that is crucial to addressing vision care in underserved communities is providing accessible care. There are a wide range of reasons why people put off going in for an eye exam: fear, finances, lack of time, confusion in navigating the health care system, transportation or simply feeling it is unnecessary. This is why we must focus on going directly to places like schools, homeless shelters, rehab centers or standalone community health events. By integrating our services into daily endeavors, we can reach a larger population. We must immerse ourselves in the community and let people know that vision care is accessible and important.
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Lastly, it is impactful to develop personal relationships with patients. I never want to present myself to my patient as someone with power or authority. Instead, I strive to be more like a trusted friend – someone who speaks openly about their health and encourages them to take care of their body. Small things such as asking patients how they’re doing, inquiring about their family or using plain, relatable language as opposed to medical jargon puts patients at ease. When a patient is comfortable, they are more likely to open up about the true nature of their condition and feel confident asking questions. What always surprises me is when a patient apologizes for “wasting” my time. It is our duty to serve our patients, and it is part of our job to listen. I always want my patients to know that I’m truly there for that purpose, and that helping them is the very thing that makes my time valuable.
One of the many reasons optometrists can have such a large influence on public health in underserved communities is because the most common problems we see have an outsized effect on patients’ quality of life. For example, it is very important for children to have eye exams, as vision problems like amblyopia can affect their education and the academic trajectory of their lives. Even simple conditions like dry eye in adults are easily treatable, and educating our communities on those conditions can make a meaningful difference. Patients may not know or understand the symptoms of the condition, or they may be overwhelmed by the confusing array of eye drops at the store. Another common condition is cataracts. Some patients often feel hopeless, not realizing that there’s a routine surgery available to them which will improve vision and quality of life significantly.
Optometrists often serve as a frontline warning system for more serious conditions that are not solely restricted to the eyes. Patients may come in complaining of a vision problem but discover that it is connected to a larger systemic problem that would not have been identified otherwise. For many, optometrists can be the first to detect changes from conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Screening for these conditions allows the optometrist to have a potentially life-saving impact on a patient’s health. One appointment can truly change a person’s life for the better.
About the Author
Dr. Cayla Hong is a dedicated optometrist whose career is driven by a deep commitment to health equity and community-centered care. With a passion for ensuring that everyone—regardless of background or circumstance—has access to quality vision care, she brings both clinical expertise and a public health perspective to her workplace.
Born and raised in Southern California, Dr. Hong knew from an early age that she wanted to help people see the world more clearly. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara, before pursuing her Doctor of Optometry at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she also obtained a master’s in public health. Her dedication to specialized care led her to complete a residency in ocular disease at the Veterans Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware, refining her expertise in complex eye conditions and patient-centered treatment.
Beyond the clinic, Dr. Hong is a passionate advocate for patient education, community outreach, and mentorship. She believes in empowering individuals with knowledge about their eye health and works closely with optometry students to shape the next generation of vision care professionals.
With a steadfast belief in the power of vision to transform lives, Dr. Hong continues to champion accessible and inclusive healthcare—ensuring that every patient she serves can experience the world with clarity and confidence.
