Portland observer., April 18, 2012, Page 11, Image 11

A p ril 18. 2012
^ortlanh (Dbseruer
Page II
Vancouver
East County
Beaverton
Alberta
North Portland
Vision
for a Healthy Future
Eyeglasses distributed to children at Albina Head Start
After recognizing the need for increased access to eye­
glasses for Portland youth, local doctors and healthcare
providers are on a mission to help provide those in need with
better vision for a healthier future.
When doctors and staff from the Elks Children's Eye Clinic
at the Casey Eye Institute performed free eye exams for
children in the Albina Head Start program, they realized the
need when 25 children’s vision required eye glasses, which
could prevent them from lifelong eye troubles in the future.
Students throughout the area received "kid-proof glasses
at Highland Head Start last week in northeast Portland, after
they participated in Elks Preschool Vision Screening Pro­
gram on April 12, when ten free pairs of glasses were
distributed to children ages three to five and 15 more given
at below half-price.
Myoptic Optometry and modem eyewear, located in
north Portland on Williams, provided the glasses.
“Children who can’t see well can’t live and learn to their
potential,” said Dr. Summy To, who leads Myoptic Optom­
etry. “And this affects us all. We believe strongly in
community and in supporting important causes such as this,
the Elks preschool vision screening program, in our commu­
nity.”
continued
on page 17
Dr. Summy To, Owner o f Myoptic Optometry, with
Irma Cortez and her son, Isaiah (age 5), who
received new glasses through the Oregon Elks
preschool vision screening program on April 12th
at Albina Highland Head Start school.
Oregon Youth of the Year
Boys and Girls Club
recognizes local teen
Hermilo “Milo” Lopez, a 6-year member of Boys & Girls
Clubs of Portland has been named the Youth of the Year for
the state of Oregon by Boys & Girls Clubs of America
(BGCA).
In addition to winning this prestigious title, Lopez will also
receive a $ 1,000 scholarship from the Reader’s Digest Foun­
dation. He is among hundreds of Youth of the Year winners
across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of
America (BGCA) for his sound character, leadership skills
and willingness to give back to the community.
Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boy s
& Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes out­
standing contributions to a member’s family, school, com-
Hermilo “Milo" Lopez, a &year member of Boys &
Girls Club of Portland, was named Oregon Youth
of the Year this month, when he was given his
award by Boys and Girls Club CEO Joe Marziello.
munity and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges
and obstacles overcome.
This program was founded over 60 years ago through the
generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation.
After moving from Oaxaca, Mexico to Oregon at the age
of seven, Lopez battled serious depression, watched his
mother get deported, and learned to live with an ill father who
was rarely home from working his two jobs.
Finding the Boys & Girls Club, however, helped Lopez
continued
on page 17