For University of Houston College of Optometry students, learning to care for patients extends beyond the clinic. That experience was on display Aug. 1, when more than 50 UH Optometry students, as well as faculty and staff volunteers, provided vision screenings and follow-up care resources at the Mayor’s Annual Back 2 School & Health Fair at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

The annual event provided 20,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to Houston-area elementary students while connecting families with health and social service agencies. UH Optometry has participated in the event for more than a decade, giving students an opportunity to provide vision screening services and connect families with follow-up care when needed.

Dr. Meron Fitta, Clinical Assistant Professor who led UH Optometry’s efforts at the event, said experiences like the health fair show students the importance of meeting patients where they are and how bringing care into the community can create new pathways to better health.

“Providing care outside of the traditional clinical setting allows students to see firsthand how complex the health care system can be to navigate,” Fitta said. “It also helps students better understand the systemic barriers patients may face and the importance of connecting patients to follow-up care and resources.”

During the fair, UH Optometry screened more than 300 participants. Almost one-third did not pass the screening and were referred to UH Eye Care for further evaluation. Among those screened, 60% were uninsured or did not report insurance coverage – underscoring the importance of the entire patient journey, from initial screening and referral to further evaluation, and to treatment and long-term care.

This year, the college’s participation was supported in part by the Blue Impact Grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. Dr. Fitta and Dr. Janet Garza, Clinical Associate Professor at UHCO, developed and submitted the successful grant proposal, which was awarded to the University of Houston in June. The grant will provide funding for comprehensive eye examinations and glasses through UH Eye Care for eligible participants identified through the screening, ensuring that children who need eye care services will have access to care.

For second-year student volunteer Victoria Robinson, participating in this program also demonstrated how personal connection can help establish trust between patients and their future health care providers.

“My favorite part of the Mayor's Back 2 School event was getting to connect with a little 6-year-old boy and his family,” she said. “He had never had an eye exam, and his family expressed their gratitude for me helping him feel so comfortable.”

Robinson recently earned The Dr. Marvin R. Poston Leadership Award from VSP Vision, which recognizes optometry students for leadership and service. Named in honor of pioneering optometrist and VSP co-founder Marvin R. Poston, OD, the award includes a $4,000 scholarship. Robinson was recognized during the National Optometric Association Annual Convention earlier this year.

Her commitment to optometry is also rooted in her own experience as a patient.

“I am extremely nearsighted, so I found the eye doctor's office to be a rather embarrassing experience,” Robinson said. “As I prayed for guidance on a healthcare specialty, it became clear that my insecurities about my own vision could become a source of empathy for my future patients.”