Mr. Prudencio Sanchez is one of many patients who have participated in a new diabetic education program at the Lions Eye Clinic. The program was started in Fall 2014 by Dr. Sam Reiter, an incoming ophthalmology resident at CPMC. Dr. Reiter was motivated by his experience at this clinic as a visiting medical student two years ago: “I saw dozens of patients with severe diabetic eye disease who had very limited knowledge about diabetes, how it affects the eyes and other parts of the body, and what they could do to control their blood sugar. Often these patients went on to receive treatment for their retinopathy like laser, injections or surgery, but they left the clinic with no plan to tackle their out-of-control diabetes. Meanwhile, I noticed that our patients and their families spent numerous hours in the waiting room prior to their eye visit, and I thought we could utilize this time for diabetes education.”

To provide this education to LEFs’ diverse patient population, Dr. Reiter instituted a multi-pronged approach. On clinic arrival, patients are offered an interactive iPad “app”

LEF Patient - Prudencio Sanchez

IT IS OFFICIAL — THE LIONS EYE CLINIC IS MOVING!

Mission Statement: “The Lions Eye Foundation preserves and restores the gift of sight by providing free ophthalmic examinations, operations and medications to the less fortunate members of our community.”

The Lions Eye A Publication of the

Lions Eye Foundation of California-Nevada, Inc.Winter 2014

Sam Reiter, MD; Eric Hernandez, RD (Registered Dietitian); Prudencio Sanchez, patient

that they can use in the waiting room before their visit. The app includes modules on diabetic eye complications, meal planning, exercise and foot care. Those who are interested can then sign up for private sessions with a diabetes educator or dietitian who will meet with patients and their families. Patients get one-on-one training on how to eat healthier, monitor blood sugars, exercise and on safely taking medications. “Not knowing what to eat and worrying about how my choices will affect my eyes can cause stress,” stated Mr. Sanchez. “The education program provides me with clarity on what foods are OK and instead of stressing about my meals, I feel calmer. I do not want to do further damage to my eyes, so watching the videos has answered many questions for me. I am thankful to have this program available.”

The pilot program includes a research project that aims to optimize this program going forward. Specifically, the project uses patient surveys and lab data to assess whether participating patients are able to improve their diabetes knowledge and/or their blood sugar control. It is too early to report most of the data, but what is quite clear thus far is that patients greatly appreciate the program. Over 95% of the 40+ patients surveyed have reported that they prefer these learning opportunities to a typical waiting room experience, and that they feel more knowledgeable and motivated to manage their diabetes after utilizing these services. “We are entering into an exciting time for this program, as many of our first patients are returning for follow-up visits,” says Dr. Reiter. “We will get to see their progress and learn what we can do better.”

Dr. Reiter feels strongly that Lions Eye Clinic has a responsibility to provide these services to diabetic patients who lack access to adequate primary care. “There are a thousand hacking at the branches of diabetes… to one who is striking at the root,” he says, rephrasing a famous quote. “Ophthalmology addresses one key bodily branch of the many that are devastated by diabetes. We know from landmark research studies that improvements in blood sugar control can prevent the progression of retinopathy as effectively as any treatment. Not only does this education program augment the exceptional eye care at our clinic, but for our uninsured patients it is their only chance to strike at the root of their diabetes.” Dr. Reiter and his team are looking for funding to continue and expand this budding educational program for Lions patients.

Many thanks for funding from PVF and Genentech, app donations from Patient Education Institute and Self Care Catalysts, and all of the hard work by Megan Tichy, RD/CDE, Eric Hernandez, RD, and the CPMC/Lions staff to make this program accessible and rewarding for our patients.

After many years of being housed in a 1920’s era former dormitory located at the California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC), the Lions Eye Clinic will be moving to a state of the art facility located at 711 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. The new facility is scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2016! The Lions Eye Foundation Capital Campaign, which started over 10 years ago, has raised $2,000,000 to help with the move.

Individuals and Lions Clubs that have donated to this Capital Campaign will be recognized at the new Lions Eye Clinic according to the following donation levels:

It’s Official - The Lions Eye Clinic is Moving!

711 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, California

LEF Resident Kenneth Downes, M.D.

Kenneth Downes, MD

Kenneth Downes, MD was born and raised in Corrales, New Mexico. He attended Tulane University, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and Cell and Molecular Biology. He returned home to attend the University Of New Mexico School of Medicine and completed his internship in internal medicine at UPMC Presbyterian-Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Downes has been a member of the CPMC resident family since July 2012 and has enjoyed greatly the diverse practice opportunities, surgical experience and the rewarding experience of caring for the Lion’s eye clinic patients. He will be traveling soon to Aravind Eye Hospital in Madurai,

$ 5,000 Dream Builder plaque, name on wall in LEF clinic

$ 10,000 Hope Builder plaque, name on wall in LEF clinic

$ 25,000 Care Builder plaque, name on wall in LEF clinic

$ 50,000 Foundation Builder plaque, name on wall in LEF clinic

$ 100,000 Sight Builder plaque, name on wall in LEF clinic plus name in building public area

IT IS NOT TOO LATE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND CLUBS TO CONTRIBUTEAND BE RECOGNIZED AT THE NEW LIONS EYE CLINIC.

Please send your donation to Lion Mark Paskvan, LEF Program Coordinator, P.O.Box 7999, San Francisco, CA 94120.

India to complement his surgical training of extra-capsular cataract techniques and is anticipating his upcoming time as chief of the Lion’s Eye Clinic starting in July 2015. For him, this time marks the keystone experience of his residency, emblematic of the joys of patient care to the underserved and gratitude to the Lion’s foundation for allowing him to be part of their ongoing program.

During his free time Dr. Downes enjoys homebrewing, cooking, running, water sports and skiing.

Dr. Taliva Martin’s mentor during her three year residency was fellow pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Susan Day – who has handed over the baton of Program Director to her former pupil. “Susan has given her all to the program and made it exceptional,” Dr. Martin says. “She supported me first as a resident, then as a colleague, and has thoroughly trained me to transition into this new role.”

CPMC’s ophthalmology residency program is among the most competitive in the U.S. Hundreds of hopeful students apply every year, but only three are accepted. It is the Program Director’s responsibility to maintain the high standards for which the program

is renowned. That includes ensuring compliance with national accreditation criteria, appointing volunteer faculty to the appropriate positions, optimizing the educational curriculum, choosing the most qualified applicants and creating customized learning tracks that meet each resident’s unique educational needs.

Since Dr. Martin has firsthand experience as both a CPMC resident and faculty member, she can see the program from both sides – an integrated perspective that will help her navigate the complexities of the job. “I truly understand and appreciate how much the Lions Eye Foundation does to support the residency and Lions referred patients treated in the clinic. Without Lions generosity, our program could not function. We are all, as a department, extremely grateful to be a part of Lions mission to provide top quality eye care to those who could otherwise not afford it.”

Originally published in the Pacific Vision Foundation Fall 2014 Newsletter.

Acknowledgements and Thanks

Total number of Patients ------ 42New Referrals -------------------- 52Actual Dollars Spent --- $110,820Estimated Value ------ $1,178,070

LEVERAGE 10.6:1Fast Facts

• The most prevalent surgery was for cataracts • There were 15 surgeries for retina, cornea or strabismus problems that would have cost $25,000 - $35,000 each • The youngest patient was 17 years old; and the oldest was 88 years old • There were also 21 Laser Procedures, 128 Intravitreous injections, 5 minor surgeries and 256 Opthalmic procedures with an estimated value of $279,960 (incl. in $’s above)

October - December 2014

Taliva Martin, MD

Memorial Donations (at least $200)• Joyce Englebecht • Sam French • Charleen Gavette• Francine Mandeville • Sally Territo Wong • Carmel Valley Host Lions Club • San Jose East Valley Lions Club

New and Progressive Helen Keller Fellows:• Ida Marcum (Ruby)

Capital or General Donations (at least $200)• Barbara Anger • Jeanne Mok • Richard Quadri• Geneva Excelsior Lions Club • Menlo Park Live Oaks Lions Club • Pajaro Valley Lions Club

General or Capital Campaign Donations (at least $1000)• Anonymous • Barbara Swain • Freedom Lions Club• North Tahoe Lions Club

Capital Campaign Don Stanaway Fellows • Steve Hirabayashi • Ida Marcum • Raymon Oliver

New Don Stanaway Life Members:• Ida Marcum

Total Received: General Fund $121,340 Capital Campaign $ 1,850

Meet Taliva Martin, MD, CPMC’s Ophthalmology Residency Program Director

Statistics and Leverage

00

22

44

66

88

1100

1122

CC66 CC44 CC33 CC22 CC1 AA33 AA22 AA11 ''4466

Number of Patients by District from 10/1 - 12/31/2014

P.O. Box 7999San Francisco, California 94120www.lionseyeca-nv.org

415.600.3950

Officers & Key PersonnelPresident – Dennis NobleFirst Vice President – John PoseySecond Vice President – Mike RogalskiTreasurer – Leila ChinnSecretary – Jan AhearnExecutive Director – John SchroederProgram Coordinator – Mark Paskvan

ContributorsEditor – Pat NealPhotography – Norene Mirande, Fred Sommer, John SchroederArticles – Mark Paskvan, John SchroederContributor – Fred SommerLayout & Production – Roger WeinerPrinting – Forté Press Corporation, BurlingameDistribution – Precise Mailing, S. San Francisco

For More Information: www.lionseyeca-nv.org

Letter From The Editor

Pat Neal

Get involved-Refer a Patient, those words from Mark Paskvan, Program Coordinator for the Lions Eye Foundation expresses his strong feelings about LEF. According to Mark, “patient referral numbers continue to increase, but the staff and doctors would love to be busier.” There is room for more patients in the Lions Eye Clinic, so please continue to refer uninsured patients, and, if you have questions... contact either Mark or Chris. Additionally, Mark states that “finding patients can be as easy as checking in with your local ophthalmologist or optometrist, local medical clinics and/or schools in your community. All are great ways to establish a relationship with key people that can help refer those in need for surgical care.”

Remember, referral forms and guidelines are located on the LEF website: lionseyefoundation.org.

Questions: please do not hesitate to contact the LEF clinic at 415.600.3950 or email: paskvam@sutterhealth.org. For additional help contact your LEF Trustee or Advisors in you District.

After so many years of hard work and perseverance by so many people, the new Lions Eye Foundation Clinic is soon to become a reality. I would like to say thank you to those members of LEF, PVF and CMPC who have worked so hard and diligently in securing a new site for the Lions Eye Foundation Clinic. If you would like to help by donating, contact Mark Paskvan, Lions Eye Clinic Coordinator at P.O. Box 7999, San Francisco, CA 94120.

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