UCSF Ophthalmology Shelter Clinic
🏥 About Our Clinic:
In 2015, Lauren Hennein and Dr. Alejandra de Alba started the Ophthalmology Shelter Clinic at Division Navigation Center. The Ophthalmology Shelter Clinic is a monthly clinic that provides Navigation Center residents with comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for corrective glasses, referrals to ZSFGH for urgent eye conditions, and free eyeglasses. Our interprofessional team includes optometrists, pre-medical students, medical students, and ophthalmology attendings, residents, and fellows. Our mission is to serve as a first point of contact for shelter residents to address their eye health concerns, address their urgent needs and function as an entry portal to the San Francisco healthcare system through referrals to city-run clinics, and other community resources.
If you are interested in reading more about our clinic model and impact, please click here to view papers that have been previously been published by past clinic leadership.
🤝 Why Volunteer with Us?
Make a Meaningful Impact: Your time and expertise will directly improve the vision and overall well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness in our community.
Professional Growth: Gain valuable exposure to the field of ophthalmology and a different healthcare setting while working with a diverse team of professionals.
Community Engagement: Become part of a community of caring individuals who are committed to addressing the urgent needs of San Francisco’s homeless population.
🙋♀️ Volunteer Opportunities:
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers in various roles, including:
Ophthalmology residents/ clinic coordinators: will take a leadership role in organizing and supervising clinic operations and will ensure long term sustainability.
Medical Students: Assist with patient intake, examination and motivational coaching and counseling.
Pre-med Students: Help with clinic coordination, scheduling, and paperwork. Offer guidance and support to patients throughout their clinic visit.
Bilingual volunteers: Assist with language barriers to ensure effective communication. Spanish, Tagalog, Mandarin/Cantonese preferred.
📅 Volunteer Schedule:
Our clinic operates on the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 5:30-9pm (5:30-9pm for medical students and coordinators & 6:30-8:30p for residents and attendings).
📍 Location:
Division Circle Navigation Center, San Francisco
224 S Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94103
📞 How to Join Us:
If you're ready to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness and have the enthusiasm to contribute, please email us at ucsf.eyeclinic@gmail.com or reach out to one of our current medical student coordinators:
· Alythia Vo: alythia.vo@ucsf.edu
· Ryan Wilson: ryan.wilson2@ucsf.edu
· Kelly Nguyen: kelly.nguyen5@ucsf.edu
· Marissa Anderson: marissa.anderson@ucsf.edu