As summer draws to a close, we at the BVM Foundation want to give you a quick update on the Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinic. A few months ago, we shared with you the wonderful news about the optometry services the clinic would soon be offering.
The pieces have fallen into place and the patients at the Mother of Mercy Clinic can now obtain much needed eye exams. We have included below a wonderful article written for the Arlington Catholic Herald.
Catholic Charities free clinic sees a need for eye care
Zoey Maraist | Catholic Herald Staff Writer 5/2/2022
Alexandra Luevano needed glasses. Optometrist Gregory Johnson, a nondenominational Christian who works at Virginia Vision Therapy, was looking for ways he could volunteer. When Johnson learned that Luevano, his new patient, was the program director of Catholic Charities Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinic, he realized his prayers had been answered. “God did the rest,” said Luevano. Less than a year after Johnson and Luevano met, the Mother of Mercy clinic in Woodbridge began offering in-house eye care for clinic patients.
On the opening morning, April 25, Johnson saw five patients, including William Brefo. Though he’s long had problems with his eyes, it’s been difficult for him to receive medical care. “I’m very grateful because I haven’t had my eyes checked in a long time, over five years. I lost my insurance from work and I’m not working right now,” he said. “(Mother of Mercy helps) with my medication, my treatments, all of my health problems. They’re doing great.”
Ernesto Unias made an appointment because he was having trouble reading. His wife Blanca Cortez also was having vision problems and her eyes were burning. “(Being able to get eye care) is a blessing from God,” said Cortez. “God blesses (the doctors’) hearts so they can treat the illnesses we have.”
See pictures and full article here.
REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF THE ARLINGTON CATHOLIC HERALD (www.catholicherald.com)