In honor of the month of January, the national month of awareness of glaucoma, the CCHCS recognizes the hard work of the staff engaged in eye health.
This month, the CCHCS highlights two precious staff members who direct the mobile eye care visits to Western University Vision.
We celebrate their commitment to provide essential care and have a lasting impact on the health of those they serve.
Susan Yoshino is committed to the poorly served populations
Full lights on the staff: Dre Susan Yoshino, do, ms
Regional medical adviser, use management
Dr. Yoshino, a certified specialist in internal medicine, has spent a large part of his career in the service of poorly served populations.
“I have always had the passion to provide care to those who need it most. This is where I really understood the challenges that people face to access quality health care, “she said.
She previously worked in federal health centers (FQHC) in the counties of Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange.
After having held the position of medical director in managing use in a managed medical care organization, Dr. Yoshino joined the CCHCS as a doctor. In her new role, she focused on integrating vision care in wider health services for imprisoned people.
“I got involved in optometry in three main areas: care for low vision, the management of primary care for eye diseases and the coordination of optometry services,” she explained.
Creation of clinics for visually impaired and comprehensive care
One of Yoshino’s main achievements was the creation of low vision assessment clinics in several CCHCS establishments. She did so in collaboration with the visual rehabilitation clinic of Western University of Health Sciences.
“Our goal was to provide complete eye care, including functional devices, to visually impaired patients,” she said.
She also prepares a care guide for primary care providers, offering advice on the diagnosis and processing of eye conditions, orienting patients to optometry or ophthalmology and awarding codes of the placement program for disabled people ( DPP).
Yoshino has launched quarterly meetings for optometrists on site to encourage collaboration and meet the common challenges.
“I wanted to create a space where optometrists could share their experiences, learn from each other and ensure that we agree to provide the best possible care,” she said.
Speaking of glaucoma, Yoshino highlights the importance of regular view exams, especially for risky populations.
“Glaucoma is a silent disease that can lead to blindness if it is not treated. It often develops without early symptoms, it is therefore crucial for groups with hypertension, diabetes or family history of glaucoma to regularly pass exams of sight, “she said.
Glaucoma is more widespread among black and Hispanic populations and is the main cause of blindness in people over 60 years of age.
“Early detection is essential, and routine screening can help prevent other damage,” she concludes.
Mandy Ferrell’s mobile ocular care visits transform lives
Full lights on the staff: Mandy Ferrell, authorized nurse, MSN
Nursing consultant, program review (NCPR), use management
Western University Vision mobile eye care visits provide essential support for the imprisoned population, strengthening their independence and facilitating their rehabilitation. Mandy Ferrell, an authorized nurse (AI) devoted having 28 years of experience in the field of health care, played a central role in the success of this initiative within the CCSCS.
A career focused on patient care
His career has covered positions in neonatal intensive care units, case management and nursing programs before joining the CCHCS. She started as a nurse authorized in use management (UM) and was then promoted to the NCPR within the UM department. It currently manages the planning of visually impaired consultations, ensuring that patients who need it most receive care first.
“I am passionate about the idea of having a direct impact, especially on imprisoned people,” said Ferrell. “I work with a great team to guarantee the proper functioning and efficiency of clinics, by giving priority to those who need help most.”
Mobile eye care visits provide specialized consultations and devices, such as magnifying glass, which help people who are imprisoned to perform essential tasks such as reading their own documents and participating in legal proceedings.
“For many, the simple fact of being able to read by themselves or to attend legal proceedings is a big step forward towards the restoration of autonomy,” she said.
Beyond the improvement of basic tasks, the program also helps people imprisoned to engage more in rehabilitation programs, thus contributing to their reinstatement in society.
“These services open the door to programs that support their rehabilitation and personal growth,” she added.
Positive results, comments
The program has received positive feedback, imprisoned persons reporting greater independence in the management of their business. Staff also notes an increased commitment in rehabilitation. “This has an important impact on their dignity and self-esteem,” she said.
She and her team undertake to expand the program to reach more people.
“We are still looking for ways to improve and expand our services,” she concluded.
History of Amanda Spangler, program analyst
California correctional health care services
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