Eye Mobile History

2011

United States Preventative Services Task Force recommends vision screenings for all children at least once between the ages of 3 and 5 years old.

The Children and Family Commission of Orange County (CFCOC) makes vision a priority in its efforts to expand access to healthcare for the county’s underserved youth after previously focusing on dental health and hearing screenings.
A group of community stakeholders meets for 6 months to design a vision program for Orange County’s children under 5 years of age.

“Year of Children’s Vision”, a national initiative supported by National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health, National Head Start Association, and other national eye health organizations starts in the fall for the 2013-2014 school year.
The CFCOC allocates $1.5 million in catalytic funding for Orange County Pediatric Vision Services through contracts with UCI GHEI and CHOC Children’s hospital. School Readiness Nurses (SRNs), with their connections to the school districts of Orange County, are encouraged to participate in the early screening project.
Planning begins for the Eye Mobile by referencing the already successful program at UCSD treating children in San Diego County. UCI GHEI’s Dr. Robert Lingua provides support and guidance throughout this process.
Iliana Molina who helped organize the San Diego program, brings her experience to Orange County by serving as the Program Director for the UCI Eye Mobile program.

The build out of a 33 foot motorhome into a state-of-the-art pediatric eye clinic, an Eye Mobile, we called Seymour began.

Fall marks the completion of construction and the first time going out for the comprehensive eye exam component of the program. Dr. Kailey Marshall, OD was the first pediatric optometrist to provide the exams.
In the inaugural year, 12 districts are served, over 500 vision screenings are completed, and 298 are referred for comprehensive exams on the Eye Mobile with approximately 60% needing glasses.

The program continues to grow and expand to help more children through more of the Orange County school districts.

The Angel Light Academy honors UCI Eye Mobile for Children at the 2019 "Above & Beyond" Gala, honoring people and organizations for their leadership and service and for going above and beyond to help their community.

The Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Donny Suh, MD becomes the Medical Director for the Eye Mobile program.