11-1-2011

Senator Ed Hernandez – Former COA President – Offers Free Eye Exams to Los Angeles Community

Sacramento, CA. 1-11-2011.  This week Senator Ed Hernandez, former president of the California Optometric Association, participated in a mobile eye care clinic at the Barrio Youth Center in Los Angeles. The event brought dozens of people from the community, many of them receiving eye glasses and primary health care for the first time.

COA commends Senator Hernandez for his ongoing commitment to increasing access to primary eye health care in California.

"Eye health care affects our families' quality of life and our children's ability to learn," said Dr. David Redman O.D., Chair of COA's Legislative Committee.  "The California Optometric Association is committed to providing access to quality eye care, and we commend Senator Ed Hernandez for continuing to keep Californians healthy. It is critical for our communities to regularly visit their local optometrist as they are primary health care providers that can detect other health issues that may otherwise remain untreated."

"I am committed to serving my community," said Senator Hernandez (D, West Covina, Chair of the Senate Health Committee). "I know that my community is facing economic hardships, and if that means taking a day to provide services to those that could not afford it, I am happy to do so. As an optometrist, I always emphasize to my patients the importance of vision care. Some of the community members we were able to treat we diagnosed with diabetes, and many of them were unaware of the need for special care."

About the California Optometric Association

Established in 1899, the California Optometric Association is California's oldest organized community for optometrists. Representing optometrists thoughout the state, COA is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of health care for the public through the advancement of optometry. Learn more at www.coavision.org, www.Facebook.com/CaliforniaOptometric  and www.Twitter.com/COA_Vision.