SEE is excited to announce the opening of our new Santa Barbara Vision Care (SBVC) clinic in Oxnard this past week! Tuesday, April 20th was the first of a weekly eye care clinic that will be taking place every Tuesday night from 5:30-9:00pm in collaboration with Westminster Free Clinic. SEE’s very own Dr. Tom Funnel will be providing free vision services to those in need of screenings and glasses at this new Oxnard site.
On the night of the new SBVC clinic opening, SEE had the privilege of serving Margarito, who was receiving vision care services for the first time in his life. Still dressed in his work clothes, Margarito waited patiently to be seen by Dr. Funnel, when he was asked if he would like a pair of polarized sunglasses. He eagerly responded “Yes! I work outdoors and the sunglasses will help me; can I have a pair for my wife also?” Happy to receive his SEE sunglasses, he put them on as he continued to wait for his screening.
During his visit, Margarito shared his difficulty with reading due to his blurred vision. He knew that he had needed glasses for a long time, but could not afford them without insurance. Fortunately, a friend told him about SEE and the services we provide, so he made his way to our new Oxnard clinic for care. “I was waiting for eye services to be available to take care of my eyes,” he said.
With his free vision screening and polarized sunglasses, Margarito left the clinic thankful to have received care that he would otherwise not have been able to afford. Here at SEE, we are thankful for any opportunity to help individuals like Margarito. We look forward to further serving our community at our new SBVC Oxnard site!
