https://oceyeproject.org/, https://www.retinaglobal.org/ocep

Orange County Eye Project, 801 N Tustin Avenue, Suite 200, Santa Ana, CA (2026)

04/24/2026

What can we say to the Providers who carve time out of their already busy days to show up, care, and give back - except thank you, over and over again.

Your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. Every patient you see, every hand you hold, every moment you spend teaching or listening makes a lasting impact far beyond the clinic walls. You are the heart of this mission.

A million thank you's still wouldn’t be enough - but we’ll keep saying it anyway. 💙

In the picture, Dr. Lilangi Ediriwickrema, Oculoplasty Specialist at UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute and Professor of Ophthalmology at UC Irvine School of Medicine.

04/22/2026

In the clinic, some of the most meaningful learning happens in real time - right at the exam chair, or close to it.

When providers take a moment to explain what they’re seeing, walk through their thought process, or involve volunteers in patient care, it transforms observation into true understanding.

Volunteers aren’t just watching - they’re learning how to think, how to connect with patients, and how to approach clinical decision-making.

These moments build confidence, spark curiosity, and make complex concepts feel tangible.

For many volunteers, it’s their first glimpse into what practicing healthcare really looks like, and those experiences often shape their future paths.

A few minutes of teaching can leave a lasting impact - turning a single clinic day into a meaningful step in someone’s journey in healthcare.

In the picture, Dr. Ediriwickrema, Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Specialist at UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute and UC Irvine School of Medicine, takes time to teach those who shadowed her in the clinic yesterday. Thank you Doctor for your time and for sharing your skills with those who wish to follow in your footsteps.

04/22/2026

The group photo from the OCEP Clinic yesterday.

Dr. Lilangi Ediriwickrema, Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Specialist at UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute and a Professor of Ophthalmology at UC Irvine School of Medicine, was the Provider at the OCEP clinic yesterday.

Thank you so much for your help and support for the program, and for providing your expertise for the benefit of the patients who access the OCEP clinic. We also are grateful for you taking the time to teach and educate the volunteers who were in the clinic.

Thank you to the OCEP personnel and the volunteers yesterday, including Jordan, Fabiola, Nathalie, Gaby, Salma, Cayle, Ryan, Shala, Tim, Amanda, Jean, and others. We appreciate your help and support.

04/12/2026

Teaching is at the heart of what makes clinics like the Orange County Eye Project ( ) truly impactful.

In the picture, Dr. Linda Huang, Retina Specialist at Kaiser Permanente in , takes time in the clinic to discuss and teach the volunteers about the diseases and findings in patients that they saw in the clinic.

In a busy clinic setting, it may feel like there isn’t always time to teach - but those moments of guidance, explanation, and mentorship create ripple effects far beyond a single patient encounter. Teaching transforms the clinic into not just a place of care, but a place of growth.

For students and volunteers, learning in a real-world environment is invaluable. They don’t just study eye disease - they see it. They observe how providers communicate with patients, make clinical decisions, and adapt to each unique situation. These experiences build confidence, clinical reasoning, and a deeper understanding of compassionate care.

For providers, teaching reinforces knowledge, sharpens skills, and fosters a culture of collaboration and purpose. It’s an opportunity to give back, inspire future clinicians, and ensure that quality eye care continues to reach underserved communities.

At OCEP, every teaching moment helps build the next generation of providers while strengthening the care we deliver today.

04/12/2026

It only takes a few extra minutes for a provider to pause and teach someone shadowing in the clinic - but those minutes can leave a lasting impact.

In the picture, Dr. John Kim, MD, ophthalmologist and specialist at Pacific Eye Institute, takes a moment to pause his examination of the patient's eyes to show Shala and Ashley the findings on the iON slit lamp observer system, which is also being shown on the TV in the back.

For students and volunteers, these moments are incredibly meaningful. They get to witness, in real time, what an eye exam looks like, how clinical findings are identified, and how patient care truly comes together.

Beyond observation, they begin to understand the “why” behind each step - gaining insight into how to conduct an examination with thoughtfulness and purpose.

Small moments of teaching can inspire the next generation of providers. 💙

04/12/2026

Today's clinic staffed by Dr. Aisha Simjee, Ophthalmologist at Southern California Eye Consultants.

Thank you Dr. Simjee for your help and support. And for your teaching the next generation of eye care specialists.

Thank you to the OCEP personnel and volunteers who were at the clinic. Appreciate the help, Ivonne, Fabiola, Ruby, Erika, America, Avery, Isha, Ryan, Sergio, Scott, Ridwan, Katelyn, Vidisha, Evelyn, Samuel, Vroniqa, Elizabeth, Isabel, Issac, Janelle, Jean and others.

04/11/2026

In the picture, Brianna speaks with a patient to explain what Dr. Mitul Mehta, Retina Specialist in the OCEP clinic, wanted to let the patient know. We also have students shadowing in the room - important for them to learn how to conduct oneself - the art of bedside/chair-side manners.

Effective communication is at the heart of quality care - especially in a community clinic setting like the Orange County Eye Project.

In a diverse region like Orange County, many of our patients feel most comfortable speaking Spanish. Taking the time to communicate in a patient’s preferred language isn’t just helpful - it’s essential. When providers and volunteers make the effort to speak Spanish or use interpreter support, it builds trust, reduces anxiety, and helps patients feel truly seen and respected.

Clear communication directly impacts clinical outcomes. Patients are more likely to understand their diagnosis, follow treatment plans, and return for follow-up care when instructions are explained in a language they fully understand. In eye care, where conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or retinal detachment require careful monitoring and adherence, this clarity can make a life-changing difference.

At the Orange County Eye Project clinic, speaking Spanish is more than translation - it’s connection. It allows us to bridge gaps in healthcare access, empower patients to take ownership of their vision, and deliver care that is not only clinically effective but also compassionate and culturally sensitive.

Because great care starts with being understood. 💙

04/11/2026

Today's OCEP Clinic is staffed by Dr. Aisha Simjee, who has dedicated her professional life and all her free time to helping others around the world, traveling to more than 30 countries!

Dr. Simjee has a been a regular volunteer eye care provider at the OCEP clinic since its very beginning.

We value Dr. Simjee's support and help as we continue to support patients who access the OCEP clinic.

We also appreciate all the OCEP personnel and volunteers who will be in the clinic today. Thank you Ivonne, Erika, Issac, Ishan, Jean, Evelyn, Sam, Elizabeth, Avery, Shala, Ridwan, Katelyn, Scott, Vidisha, Sergio, Isha, Ryan, America, Janelle, Isabel, Vroniqa and others.

04/10/2026

Dr. Mitul Mehta performing a B-scan ultrasound on the eye of the patient in the clinic. Dr. Mehta, Retina Specialist and Director of VitreoRetinal Surgery at UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute and Professor of Ophthalmology at UC Irvine School of Medicine, and a Board member at OCEP, was staffing the clinic earlier this month.

Ocular ultrasound is a powerful, accessible tool that brings real-time insight directly into the clinic—no need for complex setups or delays.

For ophthalmologists, B-scan ultrasound is relatively easy to perform and quickly becomes second nature with practice. It can be done right in the exam room, requires minimal patient preparation, and is especially valuable when the view to the fundus is limited (such as with dense cataracts or vitreous hemorrhage).

One of its greatest strengths is the ability to differentiate between retinal detachment and posterior vitreous detachment - two conditions that can present with similar symptoms like flashes and floaters, but require very different management. This distinction can be made within seconds using ultrasound, allowing for faster and more confident clinical decision-making.

What makes ocular ultrasound even more impactful is its accessibility. This means quicker diagnoses, reduced need for external imaging referrals, and improved patient care -especially in time-sensitive cases.

Ocular ultrasound exemplifies how a simple, efficient tool can elevate the standard of care right at the point of service.

04/09/2026

Checking vitals in an eye clinic isn’t just a routine step - it’s a vital part of delivering safe, whole-person care.

👁️ Why it matters:

Many eye conditions are closely linked to systemic health.

Measuring blood pressure and reviewing blood sugar reports can reveal underlying issues like hypertension or diabetes - conditions that often show early signs in the eyes. In fact, diseases such as Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension can lead to vision-threatening complications like Diabetic Retinopathy and Hypertensive Retinopathy.

💡 In a clinic setting such as ours, this is even more critical:

For many patients, access to care is an issue.

A simple vital check can:
-Identify undiagnosed or uncontrolled conditions
-Guide safe clinical decisions during the eye exam
-Prompt timely referrals for urgent care
-Prevent serious, long-term complications

🤝 It’s about more than vision—it’s about care.

Taking a few extra minutes to check vitals shows patients they are seen, valued, and cared for beyond just their eyesight.

Because sometimes, saving sight starts with placing the blood pressure cuff around the patient's arm.

In the picture, Brianna is placing the cuff to check the blood pressure, while Issac continued the intake process.

04/09/2026

Yesterday's clinic with Dr. Hiba Khalil.

Thank you Dr. Khalil for your time and expertise in evaluating patients and providing them the care they need. We appreciate your help.

Thank you to the OCEP Personnel and Volunteers in the clinic, who and served. Appreciate your help, Ivonne, Fabiola, Isha, Ruby, Salma, Gaby, Justin, Shala, Jean and others.

04/08/2026

Today's clinic will be staffed by Dr. Hiba Khalil, who is in the OCEP Clinic every Wednesday, to examine patients that are referred to us by community clinics.

Dr. Khalil evaluates all times of patients, including patients with diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, corneal issues and dry eyes, those with early cataract issues to check whether they may need surgery or not. She also helps the patients with their optical needs.

If you have a patient who requires an eye care expert to evaluate them to rule out any eye disease or who potentially needs some medication/s, do refer the patient to OCEP. We will be happy to schedule a quick appointment for the patient to see Dr. Khalil.

Also for those who wish to volunteer, if you have time on Wednesdays, you can consider coming to the OCEP clinic to volunteer. Dr. Khalil loves teaching, and will be happy to share her knowledge and expertise with you, especially if you are considering a career in !

We will be happy to have you be part of the clinic where you get to be involved in eye care based on your experience. You can send an email to info(AT)retinaglobal(dot)org with your request for volunteering.

Orange County Eye Project

04/24/2026

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