Stuart Tasman, O.D. is a VSP Provider in Kennesaw, GA.
Today’s guest blog post is from Stuart Tasman O.D, a VSP provider in Georgia who recently partnered with the VSP at the Woodstock Baptist Church Health Fair.
I was asked to participate in a health fair in October at the Woodstock Baptist Church. As I walked through this massive church I couldn’t believe the amount of people that were there for services. I would estimate that well over 1000 men, women and children were there to see the doctors and volunteers that were there for 3 days to treat their every need.
I heard from the people that I examined, they had arrived at 1 a.m. to get in line to see the medical doctors, dentists and eye doctors. I know for a fact that we turned people away at the end of every day due to lack of time.* I saw so much eye disease that had gone untreated due to lack of insurance and, of course money.
Later, at the office we treated one of the gentlemen that I had seen at the event for glaucoma. His intraocular pressures were approximately 40 in his right eye with definite loss of field of vision. I prescribed Lumigan and instructed him in my broken Spanish to see me in 3 weeks. He has no insurance and his finances barely cover a roof over his head and put groceries on the table. Suffice it to say we will not charge him but I have been haunted by the amount of people in trouble out there.
Who is going to care for them? We all want to give back and be good stewards but do we draw a line? When do we draw a line?
My father told us many stories of the depression era and one that I have never forgotten was about his grandfather. He had very little money, but did run a small grocery store. People would come in to get food with no money. My dad asked him “How come you give food to these people without money?”
He responded, ” We should always give to those with less than we have.”
My question to you is should we follow my great grandfathers advise? Just a thought.
Stuart Tasman
*Editor’s note: All patients who were unable to be seen – more than 350 – were given gift certificates to visit a local VSP doctor or referred to the Georgia Lighthouse Lions for comprehensive eyecare services, including eyewear.
Patient Jacqueline B. before new glasses
Patient Jacqueline B. after new glasses
