Taking a peek at Fairchild's eye clinic

June 20, 1997
Originally published by Fairchild Connection (Fairchild AFB, WA)

The 92nd Medical Group’s Optometry Clinic, located at the base hospital here, helps people to keep their eyes healthy. With the recent completion of the third-floor remodeling, things are a lot more pleasing to the eye.

The project began in January, and the facility was in temporary trailers in front of the hospital until early May.

Renovations have brought a new waiting room for patients , according to SSgt. Kimberly Wilkins, NCOIC, Opthamology. Previously, patients had to wait in the hallway leading to the clinic. There are plans for a television to be added soon, Wilkins said.

"That was a big change for us," Wilkins said, adding that changes also brought about a large desk in the reception area, not to mention bright new carpeting and painted walls.

"We usually get about 30 patients a day," SSgt. Kathy Dukes, who adds that doesn’t include the walk-ins that crop up on any given day.

The usual reasons for stopping by are eye problems, such as red or pink eye and irritations, Dukes said. Also, emergencies that deal with objects stuck in the eyes during accidents in the workplace are common, she added.

"We see a lot of retirees here, too," she said, noting that retired members make up half of the total patients seen in the clinic. "Many of the patients are also referred from pediatricians and acute-care clinics," she adds.

The clinic is staffed by two doctors and two technicians, and mostly deals with patients needing a checkup to add to their records, Dukes said.

Capt. (Dr.) Brent Stanley, clinic optometrist, said: "The primary reason for our existence is to support our active-duty flyers and maintenance personnel, in order to make sure they are mission ready."