Submitted by VUE
Many of us are aware of the good work the Olympia Union Gospel Mission (OUGM) provides to our community. Their efforts to restore hope and transform lives is accomplished everyday as they provide individuals with basic needs of hot meals, hot showers and laundering facilities. But there is much more going on at OUGM.
OUGM serves hundreds of homeless and poverty stricken men and women every week through numerous programs. Did you know OUGM has an established Health Resource Center?
One part of the Health Resource Center at OUGM is the Vision Clinic. It opened in April 2008 in an effort to serve people who cannot afford eye care. The clinic operates every Monday and Tuesday evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The goal of the clinic is to restore hope and help rebuild the lives of those whose poor vision is a stumbling block to employment, driving, or other life tasks most of us take for granted. Qualified individuals receive an eye health exam and glasses.
The clinic is staffed by volunteer professional optometrists. Olympia Host Lions Club coordinates the purchasing of the lenses in the glasses for those served at the Vision Clinic. The eyeglass frames are donated by frame companies and local optometrist offices.
One of the volunteer optometrists is Dr. Dani Simpson. Dr. Simpson returned to the Olympia area in 2012 to work at Tumwater Eye Center and VUE after completing her doctorate of optometry degree at Pacific University College of Optometry. Dr. Simpson has a desire to give back to her community and gladly volunteered to provide eye exams at OUGM. Dr. Simpson shared, “I have a positive experience each time a volunteer at OUGM. The patients I serve are kind and grateful for the care provided.” We applaud Dr. Simpson’s efforts to use her skills and talents to make a difference in our community.
For more information about the Vision Clinic, contact Violet Hofman at (360) 709-9725, Monday – Friday 9 am – 4 pm or visit their website.
To make an eye exam appointment with Dr. Simpson at VUE, please call 360.489.0626.
