Community Health Centers SIG
As safety net providers, the purpose of Community Health Centers (CHC) and federally qualified health centers (FQHC) is to provide preventive health services primarily in underserved areas. A majority of vision care services in these settings are provided by optometrists. The goal of this SIG is to provide a space for optometrists working in FQHCs and CHCs to come together in order to collaborate and provide a voice for patients coming from underserved areas.
Our goals as a SIG include: 1) Offering a channel for collaboration and networking with other health center providers with the support of a national organization; 2) Offer potential opportunities for research and advocacy; 3) Offer an avenue for hosting employment events, creating partnerships with organizations promoting health equity, and increasing providers within the health center network.