Seeing History, Seeing Veterans

The early years, however, proved to be challenging. Limited involvement and insufficient support hindered VA from reaching its full potential. Despite the hurdles, VA optometry services gradually evolved into today’s one-stop-shop for Veteran eye care. Dr. John Marshall Jr, an Air Force Vietnam Veteran and George H. O'Brien, Jr., VA Medical Center optometrist, became eyewitness to major changes in VA while serving our Nation’s Veterans.

"Providing optometry care proved to be in line with VA’s mission in serving the healthcare needs of our Veterans. As a provider and Veteran myself, paving the way for this undertaking proved to be of great benefit for our heroes,” Marshall says.

In the early integration stages, training optometry students and ensuring oversight by experienced providers at VA facilities became the major focus. This approach allowed optometrists to join the VA team, work with Veterans, and pursue a career within VA, making it a viable option, comparable to other fields such as medicine and nursing.

VA also learned that to take on more Veteran patients, VA had to either recruit or produce more optometrists. Additionally, the demand for more clinical training facilities increased. Partnerships with educational organizations became a must. In working with outside entities, VA expanded its trajectory for improved medical care. Ultimately, this symbiotic relationship illustrated the importance of alliances that would ultimately reap benefits for the Veteran.

“As we strengthened our ties with other professional entities, we were able to include specialized surgeries and other types of ocular therapies. We believed that by helping more Veterans, we would allow VA to become more efficient too,” Marshall says.

As years passed, VA’s focus on improving its optometry services was backed by procurement of state-of-the-art mobile units to serve rural Veterans. These mobile units include advance communication systems and reliable power sources meant to stand as a self-sufficient post. In this way, VA can serve Veterans that would otherwise have a difficult time getting to their appointments in what are rural areas.

“Our George H. O'Brien, Jr., VA Medical Center is a great example of tackling the unique needs of Veterans living in rural locations. Instead of the Veterans coming to us, we come to the Veterans. I’m excited to be developing the ability to bring care to the Veteran,” Marshall says. 

Feedback from Veterans play a crucial role in continually refining the services offered. Regular surveys allow for a dynamic exchange of ideas, ensuring that the evolving needs of Veterans can be met with innovative solutions. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community and trust, making Veterans feel valued and heard.

“Our optometry clinic consistently scores high with patient trust. VA delivers quality care, and our Veterans know that,” Marshall says.

The enduring impact of these efforts are clear: Veterans experience improved quality of life, enhanced independence, and a renewed sense of confidence. As history tells it, VA's dedication to top-tier optometry services stand as a testament to its unwavering commitment to those who had given so much in service to their country.