Remote Area Access Sacramento 2011
Cal Expo
Similar to RAM LA, the patients began lining up in the early hours of the morning for their free medical care. Some of the people had even waited from the day before. This huge event was designed to help the uninsured, unemployed, or anyone in need of free medical, dental, or vision care. There were people of all ages, races and economic backgrounds. Most of people were so appreciative and gracious even after waiting hours to receive their care. Probably the most difficult aspect about participating in the event was the realization that we still wouldn’t be able to help everyone. The patients far outnumbered the volunteers that were available to help. However, my hat really goes off to those people who organized this huge event. The amount of work and hours of preparation to put this event together are truly incomprehensible. Fortunately, with their lead, they were able to bring all the volunteers together and create a huge success. For me personally, it was just satisfying knowing that I was a part of this grand event in delivering the care to people in need.
This past April, I again had the privilege of participating in the Remote Area Medical (RAM) event in bringing vision care to anyone in need. The event was held for 4 days at Cal Expo and provided medical, dental, and vision care at no charge for anyone who was in need. RAM has been providing health care, technical and education assistance at no charge for the needy in the United States and throughout the world since 1985. RAM is supported by all volunteers consisting of doctors, nurses, pilots, and ancillary workers for all of their projects.
There were a total of 3556 patients that received care during this event. Of this group, a total of 1113 patients alone were seen in the vision clinic. Many of these patients were able to receive new prescription eyewear at no charge. All of the exams and eyewear were completely free to these patients. The volunteers included the Volunteer Optometric Service to Humanity (VOSH California) local Optometrists and Ophthalmologists, pre-Optometry students at UC Davis and technicians. Equipment and supplies were donated by VSP, Lions Clubs, and Lions in Sight. It was an extraordinary effort by everyone there. Unfortunately, it is a job that doesn’t have an ending.
September 2010
Elk Grove Community Foundation's
Spotlight Elk Grove
Dr. Kageyama volunteered his time and services at
Los Angeles' Remote Area Medical in May 2009
They started lining up inside the clinic before 6:00 am. However, before that many of the patients had been waiting for days outside the LA Sports Arena. And before we knew it, we were calling to see the next patient…..and then the next and the next. Volunteers were everywhere. Yet, the patients in need outnumbered us by far. We were ready to examine all of them if we could. Unfortunately, our time and manpower were able to go only so far. It seemed like the line of people never ended. Words cannot describe what was taking place here. But, oh how rewarding it was to be able help these people.….simply because we could. Most of the people were so appreciative and gracious. A simple "thank you" was all that was needed to give you the satisfaction and realization that this was all worth it.
 Earlier this past May, I had the privilege of participating in a record breaking event in downtown Los Angeles. For one week, an organization called the Remote Area Medical, or RAM, provided medical, dental and vision care at no charge for anyone who was in need. RAM has been providing health care, technical and education assistance at no charge for the needy in the United States and throughout the world since 1985. RAM is supported by all volunteers consisting of doctors, nurses, pilots, and ancillary workers for all of their projects.
 One of the core health care services at this event was provided by the RAM LA vision clinic. According to Stan Brock, founder of RAM, the vision care professionals at RAM LA provided eye exams to 3,331 people most of whom received new prescription eyewear during this weeklong event. All of the eye exams as well as the eyewear were completely free to these patients. The volunteers included 420 Optometrists, Ophthalmologists, Optometry students, and technicians. Along with many of the independent Optometrists, some of the many organizations donating their time, equipment and supplies included VOSH, SCCO, VSP, Jules Stein Eye Clinic, Allergan, Alcon, Collard Rose, and the Lions Club. It was a truly great effort by everyone there. Unfortunately, it was a job that doesn't have an ending.
If you would like more information on Remote Area Medical, please visit their website at www.ramusa.org.
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