Malia McDowell
November 3, 2025 2025-12-09 0:35
Malia McDowell
School: UAB School of Optometry
Academic Mentor: Dr. Janene Sims
Site Mentor: Justin Johnston
Site: The Community of Hope Health Clinic (CHHC)
Malia volunteered with CHHC to understand their needs and build relationships with her site. She connected with VSP to gain information on Eyes of Hope to apply for donations, helped execute the Blackbelt at CHHC and act as a liaison between CHHC and the UAB School of Optometry. She received numerous sunglasses, readers, artificial tears, and frame donations through email requests and phone calls.
Project Results
- Over 80 pairs of frames were used as selections for the CHHC Blackbelt provided by Stephanie Ganiban with VSP
- 69 full eye exams and prescription glasses provided by the UAB School of Optometry Blackbelt
- 100 men’s and women’s sunglasses provided by VSP Eyes of Hope
- 240 Refresh Preservative Free Artificial Tears provided by Mark Risher with AbbVie
- 50 over-the-counter readers of various powers provided by VSP Eyes of Hope