Current Student News
Optometry
General News
Diana Mantilla ‘28OD received her first pair of glasses as a young girl because of an in-school eye exam, although it almost didn’t happen. “I had actually hidden the paperwork from my parents I had received from the school that suggested I go to an eye clinic. I was embarrassed,” said Mantilla. “I know it’s scary. But then I got my glasses, and I felt comfortable.”
Helping kids who need glasses feel more comfortable with the process was one of the reasons Mantilla, along with other first-and second-year students in the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Drexel University, volunteered to work at the inaugural Day of Service at The Eye Institute (TEI), PCO’s clinical facility in the Oak Lane section of Philadelphia, three miles south of the Elkins Park, Pennsylvania campus.
The event, which attracted 34 pediatric patients, was designed to provide vision care for school-age children who would not otherwise receive it. PCO does have a Mobile Unit for Healthcare Resources (MUHR) - that travels to schools in the Greater Philadelphia region to deliver complimentary vision screenings.
But this time, the clinical team at PCO invited the students and their parents to come to TEI. Third-year Doctor of Optometry students and faculty members conducted the exams, while the first- and second-year students manned the pediatric waiting room, which offered activities and arts and crafts for the children while they waited.
“We had a presentation in a kid-friendly way that talked about the importance of these vision exams and how it’s important to have good vision to help them in school as they grow up,” said Ashley Moskowitz ‘28OD. “I’m interested in pediatrics, so I like having the opportunity to get my foot in the door, even though it’s just the beginning part, interacting with the kids and helping them feel comfortable.”
Mohjeet Chhina ‘28OD said it’s important to present the children with a safe and friendly environment in which they learn about eye care. The volunteer experience also helps him, too, as he continues his path toward the optometry profession. “This has helped me learn how to interact with kids and be the best doctor I can be,” said Chhina. “It’s really cool seeing all the kids excited to do the arts and crafts. I love it.”
Ezrea Pinknui, of Philadelphia, brought her son, 11, and daughter, 7, to the event because the wait time was too long for eye appointments at other sites.
“We got in here real fast. My son needs glasses, and my daughter has a lazy eye that I’m trying to get help with,” said Pinknui. “I was happy and grateful for how my kids were treated during the exams. I’ll bring them back here again.”
Michelle Yan, OD, one of the TEI instructors conducting the vision exams, said some of the children attending the Day of Service event – from ages five to 18 - were referred from their schools, and others were referred from Philadelphia’s Federally Qualified Health Centers.
“An event like this is super-important. It raises awareness on the importance of getting a comprehensive eye exam as well as the importance of treating kids from starting at the early age of one and working into the school years,” said Dr. Yan, who joined the PCO faculty in August 2025. “It helps the parents to know that we’re here for them in the community and to provide this comprehensive care for all ages.”
Because vision accounts for about 80 percent of how we learn, it’s essential for children to receive regular eye exams at a young age and wear glasses if they need them, to give them the best chance to learn in the classroom, according to Brandy Scombordi-Raghu, OD ’98, Resident ’99, assistant professor and director of Optometric Clinical Research at TEI and coordinator of the School Vision Programs.
“We’ve had a steady stream of patients coming in with really appreciative parents and super-cute kids,” said Dr. Scombordi-Raghu. “Plus, the PCO students get to practice the skills they’ve already learned, but more importantly, they get to see what a difference they can make in the community.”
