Southern California Eye Institute

Ophthalmic Research Support for ophthalmic research projects, including clinical trials, comes from private donors, from National Institutes of Health through the University of Pennsylvania . Temporary staff were hired for additional help with data collection and data entry for these research projects. From these research endeavors, our physician-researchers published three manuscripts in academic journals throughout the year. Finally, our physician-scientists attended national and international academic conferences to present findings from these research studies.

Community Health Ophthalmic Screenings. The Southern California Eye Institute continued to host health fairs for underserved communities, and veterans in and around the Los Angeles-area. These eye screenings and community health education fairs were held to give back to the people who need it most. In addition to these community care programs, the Southern California Eye Institute recognized our health workers by providing meal services for those who were providing frontline COVID care. Support for this project is from generous private donors, the Fox Family Foundation and Fidelity Charitable.

Ophthalmic Technician Education Program. The first cohort of students enrolled in 2021 and graduated from the Southern California Eye Institute Ophthalmic Technician Training Program in 2022. The cohort attended 79 lectures throughout the year and each completed 750 clinical training hours in the Institute's main clinic, satellite offices and private practices. At the conclusion of the program, students are prepared to sit for the International Joint Commission of Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO) exam to become a Certified Ophthalmic Technician. The Ophthalmic Technician Training Program is currently undergoing the process of accreditation through the International Accreditation Commission (ICA). Support for these projects is from generous private donors, including the Fox Family Foundation and Fidelity Charitable.