Written by Hong Zhang
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Adriana DiBenedetto
To better implement Tzu Chi New York’s Vision Mobile Clinic services within communities, Tzu Chi USA’s Northeast Region held an interactive gathering with New York City Council Members and school district representatives on June 6, 2022.
At the beginning of the event, Dr. Kenneth Liao, Deputy Chief Executive Director of Tzu Chi USA’s Northeast Region and Tzu Chi International Medical Association’s Deputy Director, introduced Tzu Chi, explaining the current status of the foundation’s community service missions in New York.
With this, Steven Voon, Deputy Chief Executive of the Fresno Mobile Clinic and Medical Program Administrator at Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, then shared the unique philosophy guiding the Vision Mobile Clinic. Mr. Voon stated that if volunteer recruitment goes well, the Vision Mobile Clinic in New York can expand from the current twice-monthly services to once a week.
School district representatives Sherman Benjamin and Neisha Blair were impressed by the earnestness and efficiency of the Tzu Chi volunteers, expressing how Tzu Chi’s medical missions could help communities reach the last mile for student vision. Through Tzu Chi’s mobile clinics, medical professionals bring their care to students across communities, providing eye exams and producing prescription lenses on-site. Students have access to a selection of frames, too, and the finished glasses are handed to the students on the very same day.
Passionate about providing these vital services to more youths, P.S. 298 Parent Coordinator Neisha Blair had invited Tzu Chi volunteers to the school for a meeting. Afterwards, the school staff arranged a parking space for the Vision Mobile Clinic van, and the Tzu Chi volunteers began service straight away.
After the meeting, volunteers gather for photos with New York City Council members and school district representatives. Photo/Courtesy of Tzu Chi Northeast Region
Tzu Chi is committed to serving communities and ensuring essential medical services can reach wherever they are needed with love and care. By connecting with City Council Members and school district representatives, collaborative efforts are hoped to help these services reach more children across New York City.
