Doctor of Optometry Students Volunteer Time, Hone Skills at NJ Special Olympics

Ryder Elder ‘24OD enjoys volunteering at community events and local food banks. So, when he received an email looking for volunteers to conduct vision screenings at the New Jersey Special Olympics, he was all in.
 
“It’s a great way to give back to the community by simply volunteering your time,” said Elder. “I was not only able to volunteer my time, but offer the skills I have acquired at Salus University.”
 
Elder was part of a group from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Salus University to participate in the “Opening Eyes” program for athletes who competed in the New Jersey Special Olympics, held recently at The College of New Jersey in Ewing Township. Over two days, 12 students from PCO/Salus screened 268 special Olympians and provided glasses and sunglasses for 350 individuals. The event also attracted Doctor of Optometry students from the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry and several optometrists.
 
Optometry faculty member Andrew Meagher, OD ‘15, Resident ‘16, FAAO, coordinated the event for the PCO/Salus Doctor of Optometry students. Dr. Meagher is no stranger to the New Jersey Special Olympics as he initially became involved when he was a student at PCO/Salus.

“I caught the volunteer bug when I was a student and every year I like to help. I try to recruit as many students as I can from PCO/Salus so that they can have the same experience. It’s definitely one I’m continuing to do,” said Dr. Meagher.
 
The students conducted the elements of a vision screening on the special Olympians, including checking visual acuity, cover tests, color vision, depth perception and intraocular pressure. They also checked pupils and eye movements and had a camera this year that enabled the students to take a peek behind the eyes of the patients.
 
Elder said the “Opening Eyes” event “opened his eyes” on how much of an impact the Special Olympics brings to those with disabilities.
 
“This was an event that each one of those athletes looked forward to and prepared for months in advance,” said Elder. “The event and atmosphere were so inclusive and I could just feel the happiness radiating out of most of the athletes. This is an event I will look forward to volunteering at for years to come.”
 
He added that the event helped him utilize and hone some of the skills he’s learning as a Doctor of Optometry student at PCO/Salus.
 
“But most of all, it allowed me to connect to people with disabilities in ways that I have not been able to in the past, and I think this will help my bedside manner in both the clinic at The Eye Institute (TEI) and when I'm working as an optometrist,” he said.
 
Dorothy Mulligan ‘24OD experienced much of the same thing. She said she signed up to volunteer at the event because she believed it would be a great way to gain experience working with special needs patients.
 
“Access to healthcare is a huge issue for many patients, and this event really ‘opened my eyes’ to how impactful screenings can be,” said Mulligan. “I now have a better idea how to best communicate with and care for patients with intellectual disabilities. It was a great opportunity to learn from and create connections with the other doctors and student volunteers.”
 
Dr. Meagher called it a “huge learning experience” opportunity for the students who volunteered their time.
 
“They see patients down at the clinic (TEI) but this is a free experience, they just have to volunteer their time. And, I think every student always says all much how much they take away from it,” he said. “The reaction was all positive. Every year they’re always glad they did it. They not only feel like they’re helping, but they are also honing their skills.”