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October 2022
Florida Lions Eye Clinic Monthly Newsletter
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Stay in the know! Follow us on social media! | |
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A note to our FLLEC friends and families:
Like all of you, we are still trying to wrap our heads around what our beloved communities just went through. Hurricane Ian changed not only the lives of people we care about, but the landscape of our beautiful SWFL home as well. We hope this email is reaching you safe and in good health. We want to be sure we continue to have open communication with everyone, and wish to help in any way we are able to.
We are beyond thankful that our clinic was spared from the heartbreaking devastation around us, and we were able to reopen for our patients with regular hours. We are most grateful that our staff, volunteers, doctors, board members, and patients who we've been in contact with, are all safe and well. Though homes and businesses may have been affected by the storm, there's no greater relief than knowing everyone is OK.
The clinic is open for regular business hours Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-4PM.
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Do you live in a community that actively volunteers in the area?
Are you part of a group or organization that needs service hours?
Call FLLEC today to partner up today!
We have a need for volunteer Spanish-English translators, Administrative Assistants, Medical/Clinic Assistants, Ophthalmic Assistants, Ophthalmologists, Retina, and Glaucoma specialists.
If you are interested in helping us meet the needs of our underserved neighbors or if you know someone who might be willing to help, please reach out to our Clinic Supervisor, Olivia Pena.
Please click here to download the volunteer form, and return it to Olivia at oliviap@fllec.com or call 239-202-0757 for more information!
Thank you for your help!
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STAR WARS THEMED CHILDREN'S CLINIC! | |
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We're gearing up for fun!
VISION FEST: Cruisin' for the Clinic
Calling all car / truck / motorcycle enthusiasts... gather your friends and show off your wheels! We are gearing up for a fun day and can't wait to SEE everyone having a good time and touring the clinic!
This is an important annual fundraiser and we are counting on you all to help make it a success! We're looking for those who can claim a sponsorship opportunity, help gather raffle prizes, sell VIP tickets, volunteer the day of the event, and invite ALL friends and families to join us that day!
Want to be treated like a VIP? (To us you all are!) We will have a VIP section indoors which includes unlimited food and drinks, and your own live music!
CLICK HERE TO PURSHASE A SPONSORSHIP LEVEL, VIP TICKET AND/OR A CAR ENTRY REGISTRATION!
Claim your sponsorship level before they sell out!
We have so many awesome sponsors and vendors lined up already! We can't wait to have the best day with you all! What better way to spend the day, than rallying together to support the clinic! Please reach out to Miranda Escobar 239-319-2983 or mirandae@fllec.com with any questions. We can't wait to SEE you there!
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Eye Feel Good!
“To feel the support of an entire clinic is so relieving and rewarding. I thank God that this organization was put in my path, I would’ve lost my vision otherwise. I am very blessed and thankful to the Florida Lions Eye Clinic for saving my vision.”
We are so happy to finally share this story with you! Mrs. Velasquez came to our office for the first time in the summer of 2021 with complaints of headaches and blurred vision. Under the impression that this was just an age-related condition, she made an appointment at the eye clinic after being referred by friends.
She was seen by Dr. Michael Gressel, a Glaucoma specialist, who discovered that her eye pressures were very high. Dr. Gressel informed the patient that she needed to do a series of tests to rule out Glaucoma. Thankfully, at the clinic we have a Visual Field machine, OCT and an SLT / YAG laser, which are all essential to aid the physician on his final diagnosis. For the comfort of the patient, all of this is done in-house.
Unfortunately, after all tests were completed, it was discovered Mrs. Velasquez had chronic high pressures and was not a candidate for laser at this point in her treatment. She was put on drops for her new found diagnosis of Glaucoma. She was unaware of her condition after years of not visiting the eye doctor. Then came more news... she needed urgent surgery!! Her daughter-in-law came in to the office to inquire about her condition and the cost so that her family could come together to help the patient. The family mostly works on farms, and Mrs. Velasquez got by making her famous Mexican Jell-o cakes. Our Clinic Supervisor, Olivia Pena, let the patient and family know that they did not need to worry about cost or financing the procedure, as the Florida Lions Eye Clinic would make sure it was covered 100%. The look of relief and happiness, was something we could not begin to describe!
Mrs. Velasquez, had her surgery in November 2021, which was performed by Dr. James Croley, and it was partially funded by the generosity of The Bridge Fund. She has gained her vision and continues to be seen by the clinic for management of her drops and eye pressures.
At Florida Lions Eye Clinic, we pride ourselves with stories such as Mrs. Velasquez's and will continue to SHARE our Vision and care for our patients and the community to the best of our abilities!
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Another FLLEC Eye Angel!!! | |
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Since January 2021, Dr. Michael Gressel has volunteered over 460 hours to help the Florida Lions Eye Clinic patients! He is a glaucoma specialist with a wealth of knowledge, and has been an invaluable part of our clinic family. We are so grateful to have him, and our patients have improved vision because of his devotion.
We were honored to present Dr. Gressel with the 3rd special Eye Angel Award of 2022! We enjoyed a nice time together celebrating all he does for our patients, which led to our parting for a few months! Dr. Gressel will be out until the new year, and we already can't wait for his return! From all of us at FLLEC, thank you for all you do for our clinic and patients Dr. Gressel!
We can't wait to SEE you soon!
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In September, our Director of Development & Marketing, Miranda Escobar, attended the Above Board Chamber's "How to Get Discovered by the Media" event in Naples. The panel consisted of television news anchors, journalists, editors, and radio personnel from the SWFL area. It was a great way to hear directly from the people who receive our press releases and connect with us daily in the media, of what works and what doesn't! We are excited to continue building up the clinic's online presence and reaching multigenerational communities of donors and volunteers with all of the helpful information! | |
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Ophthalmic Assistant
Assists ophthalmologists and optometrists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and eye photography. Assists with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments.
Bilingual/Spanish requirement
$19.00 - $22.00 ~ part time
For more info:
Ophthalmic Assistant
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Patient Care Coordinator
Welcomes patients and FLLEC visitors, performs intake process with patients, answers the telephone and promptly returns calls as needed, interfaces with volunteers and clinic staff. Ophthalmology knowledge is preferred.
Bilingual/Spanish requirement
$16.00 ~ part time
For more info:
Patient Care Coordinator
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| What is your favorite Halloween candy? | | | |
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Trick -or- Treating Safety Tips
Decorate bags and costumes with reflective tape and stickers.
Wear bright color clothing and costumes.
Make sure drivers see you before crossing a street.
Carry glow sticks and/or flashlights.
Don't walk in the road, stay on sidewalks when possible.
Travel with groups and avoid dark houses.
Adults should accompany young children.
Know your town's curfew for the night.
Make sure an adult inspects candy before eating.
Have fun and be safe!
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Amazon Smile is a simple way for you to support the Florida Lions Eye Clinic every time you shop, at no cost to you. It's easy, just enter smile.amazon.com, and Amazon will ask you to select a charity of your choice.
You’ll find the exact same low prices, selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the Florida Lions Eye Clinic. Amazon Smile is also available on the Amazon Shopping app on your phone. You can find it in the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.
Click here to get started!
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Have you been missing out on all of the important information and fun posts on Facebook? Motivational Monday, Tip Tuesday, Wellness Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, Fun Fact Friday, Selfie Saturday... and everything in between! Be sure to follow our page for the latest news and event info, and share with your friends! | |
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Click below to attend the 60th anniversary celebration of our friends at the Bonita Springs Lions Club!
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Thank you for your support!! | |
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We need your help! Please take a moment to leave us a 5 star review on Google!
If you have Facebook please click here and leave a recommendation!
This helps us show up at the top of searches on Google, and helps our rating on social media!!
Our mission is to provide state-of-the-art medical and surgical eye care that is accessible to underserved individuals in Florida.
We strive to be the best we can be and we want to share our vision with everyone!
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Don't be like Ned... make an eye appointment today! | |
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Before you go... please click below to help Share the Vision! Thank you!
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