We start a series aptly termed “Five Questions”, since we just ask five questions to the people we highlight in this series.
Five Questions – America Rojas
The first person we are highlighting in America Rojas, who was instrumental in working closely with the Orange County Eye Project from the time of inception of this program.
Hear from America’s own words about her experience and life’s journey.
1. What was your background (education, volunteering experience, etc.) when you started volunteering at OCEP?
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to volunteer with the Orange County Eye Project (OCEP). Before beginning to volunteer at this organization, I was working at Serve the People Community Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center in Santa Ana. By this time, I had graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with my bachelor’s degree and was looking forward to a career in medicine as a physician. Through my job at STP, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Raj Agrawal and learn about his work with Retina Global. Learning about Dr. Agrawal’s global work and his ability to create programs that benefit multiple patient demographics across a diverse range of geographical locations inspired my desire to volunteer with OCEP for the betterment of my community and our most vulnerable patients.
2. What made you decide you wanted to volunteer at OCEP?
The need for specialty eye care treatments increased after the COVID-19 pandemic limited the capacity of STP to serve patients with ophthalmological diseases. Without this care, patients in our community could lose their vision, which would impact their mobility, ability to support their families and independence. Dr. Agrawal shared a vision: to expand access to much-needed specialty eye care for a large population of uninsured and low-income residents in Orange County. The program’s reach and ties to local community health centers, partner ophthalmologists, and industry connections made it a success from the beginning, which is why I enjoyed volunteering for so many years.
3. What is it that you like about the OCEP program?
What I love most about the OCEP program is the compassion and care that each of our volunteers brings. {Picture -(L-R) Jordan, America, Ethan & Luis} There is a united effort to provide the best specialty eye care for vulnerable populations with limited access. For some of these patients, this is the first eye exam they have ever received; others have spent years and all their economic resources on medical care they can no longer afford, and some have limited vision due to years of untreated eye disease. For each of these patients, having a place where they can receive medical care at no cost is a lifesaver. I am grateful for each volunteer doctor, nurse, technician, and individual who gives their time to ensure our community has years of optimal vision and quality of life.
4. What is it that you would like to suggest to make the program better?
I want to suggest that we continue building partnerships with local community health centers and organizations whose members would benefit the most from these services. When we come together to fight against treatable eye diseases, we can improve the health of our community and create a pathway for individuals who would otherwise have no access to specialty eye care.
5. Tell us about your plans for the future.
I am excited to share that I will be starting medical school this fall at UC San Diego School of Medicine. My years of volunteering with the OCEP provided me with a clear understanding of the need for specialty eye care in uninsured and low-income populations. Most importantly, I saw the impact that physicians, industry partners, community organizations, and health centers can have when they unite to promote access to care for marginalized communities. My goal is to return to the OCEP as a physician and continue the legacy that Dr. Agrawal and countless others with him have begun by bridging access to specialty eye care for our most vulnerable populations. Thank you to Dr. Agrawal and the entire OCEP team for your dedication, effort, and compassionate care in creating this program, which is having a ripple effect on my own life.
Thank you for your kind words, America. We value your support and help from the very beginning. Our best wishes as you start Med School. And we look forward to you coming back to the clinic as a Provider!