The UC Davis Pediatric Mobile Clinic partnered with the Folsom Cordova Unified School District to host a four-hour free vision screening and diagnostic clinic in Rancho Cordova last month. The clinic served students who did not pass their school vision screenings and needed comprehensive follow-up care.
The community-centered clinic on wheels delivers specialty medical and mental health services directly to schools across the Sacramento region.
Led by UC Davis pediatric ophthalmologist Marcela Estrada from the UC Davis Eye Center, the clinic brought together a multidisciplinary team of more than 15 volunteers and clinicians dedicated to improving access to vision care for local children. The team included pediatric ophthalmologists, optometrists, a retinal surgeon, ophthalmology residents and volunteers from the R.I.V.E.R. Pediatric Clinic, a free student-run clinic affiliated with UC Davis.
More than 30 students received free comprehensive eye evaluations that included vision testing, alternate cover testing, photoscreening, pupil dilation, autokeratometry, cycloplegic refraction and dilated fundus examinations.
“This clinic event aimed to remove barriers to care and ensure that every child has access to the vision services that they need to succeed in school and everyday life,” Estrada said. “Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in a child’s development, learning and overall well-being.”
The clinic was guided by UC Davis Health’s PATH (Promoting Accessibility to Healthcare) philosophy, which emphasizes creating a welcoming and accessible environment, particularly for children with neurodiversity. This population often faces challenges accessing timely eye care and may experience delays in diagnosis and treatment. The UC Davis Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department donated sensory toys to help students feel comfortable and engaged during their appointments.
Participating students received a free comprehensive diagnostic evaluation by the Eye Center team and individualized recommendations for follow-up care. Students who were prescribed glasses received vouchers that could be redeemed at no cost at any UC Davis Eye Center location.
The clinic was made possible by funding from the Lions Club International Foundation, Native Daughters of the Golden West and Children’s Miracle Network at UC Davis.
About the UC Davis Pediatric Mobile Clinic
Launched in 2024, the UC Davis Pediatric Mobile Clinic provides free health care services to historically marginalized and underserved populations by partnering with school districts and community-based organizations to reduce barriers to care for children facing access challenges. The clinic provides general pediatrics, mental health, developmental-behavioral pediatrics and asthma care in a mobile clinic setting.
About the UC Davis Eye Center
The UC Davis Eye Center provides world-class eye care, pioneers collaborative vision research and trains the next generation of specialists and investigators to become leaders in the Sacramento region and beyond. The Eye Center team aims to transform vision care and develop cures for blinding eye diseases, from cornea to cortex.