“We were all touched by this young student’s words explaining how for the first time she was able to see. She’s been able to raise her grades, and it’s opened the world to her. Yet it was such a simple act on our part. Sure, it costs us, there’s more to business than profits,” Marianas Eye Institute CEO Russ Quinn said.
The young student was just one of the many recipients of the newly introduced “Kindness to Prevent Blindness” program from the Marianas Eye Institute, called as “one of the best-equipped eye clinics in the Asia-Pacific region” by Retinal Physician magazine.
Everyday, one underprivileged individual, or somebody who badly needs eye care but who can’t afford to pay for it, will receive a gift of kindness from Marianas Eye Institute as they take one step further to their mission statement “Excellence with Love.”
Quinn said that the program was developed out of their desire to reach individuals in need of eye care.
“We pride ourselves in our outreach programs. In the past we have helped diabetic patients who were unable to pay for the needed care that comes from diabetic retinopathy.” Quinn said.
He added that they wanted a program that could reach more people during these hard financial times.
“It’s our way of giving back to the community,” he said.
Quinn said that the staff of the Marianas Eye Institute opens their hearts and their busy eye clinic to those who need care but cannot afford it.
“We wanted to put together a program that doesn’t treat people as charity cases. We realize that people need a hand, not a hand-out,” said Quinn.
How the program works
But the Kindness to Prevent Blindness program is not totally free, Quinn said.
“Everyone availing of the Kindness to Prevent Blindness program is required to make some payment – any payment,” he said.
Quinn said that they got the idea from a similar program in clinic in a small town with a depressed economy. He said that the program would be perfect for the community, and for their desire to give back.
Quinn explained that all the payments collected from these “Kindness” patients will be given to a charitable organization in the community.
“Instead of receiving charity, these patients are giving to a charity in this way, and we like the way that feels for everyone,” Quinn said.
He said that they have chosen the Guma Esperanza – The House of Hope as the recipient of the contributions they will receive from the patients.
Marianas Eye Institute has set aside one appointment slot each day for a “Kindness to Prevent Blindness” patient.
Individuals must call to make an appointment, and must identify themselves as wanting to participate in the program.
“Many times, clinics hold special days for such patients which is wonderful, but we felt it was more dignified to accommodate these patients during our regular clinic schedule,” said Quinn.
Marianas Eye Institute co-founder and the director of its Center for Advanced Diabetic Eye Care Dr. David Khorram explained that the clinic is committed to help these patients with whatever eye problems they have.
“Whether people need just an exam, or even if they need glasses, or laser or even extensive testing or cataract surgery, we’ll provide all of it, and only ask that the Kindness to Prevent Blindness patients pay whatever they can afford,” Khorram said.
Khorram said that they are expecting to fill up the slots quickly but they are asking the patients to deal honorably and honestly regarding their financial needs.
“We know that people greatly value the services we provide, and we are opening our hearts to those in need,” Khorram said. He added that their clinic has been blessed by the support of this wonderful community, and they consider it a bounty to be able to provide services for those in financial hardship.
“All of our patients who are able to pay, and who have supported Marianas Eye Institute over the years, are really the ones that are responsible for allowing us to provide this care to those in need,” Khorram said.
Marianas Eye Institute provides complete family eye care. Its doctors, Mark Robertson, OD and Khorram, have received national recognition for their work in eye care.
Prices for a complete pair of glasses start at $77 and include a one-year warranty. Other services include one-hour glasses, contact lenses, medical eye care, surgery and laser.
Marianas Eye Institute is also home to the Center for Advanced Diabetic Eye care, and has been featured in prominent magazines as Retinal Physician, Ophthalmology Management, Ophthalmology Times, and Medscape.
Visit the Marianas Eye Institute across from the 13 Fishermen Monument on Beach Road in Garapan or call 235-9090 for an appointment. More information is available at www.MarianasEye.com.
