Community Partner: Bearcat Eye Service (BES)
Bearcat Eye Service (BES), operating at the Healing Center in Springdale, Ohio, is a student-run organization affiliated with the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. The Healing Center, a non-profit organization, offers practical, social, and spiritual support to individuals and families, while BES specifically provides free vision screenings to underserved populations. Established in 2021 and conducting its first clinic in October 2023, BES is a team of medical students, residents, and attending physicians who screen for diseases such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. They also measure glasses prescriptions and aim to offer additional services like free glasses, artificial tears, and transportation to the resident ophthalmology clinic at the University of Cincinnati in the future.
The primary mission of BES is to employ the structure of Service-Learning to improve the health of the underserved in the greater Cincinnati area while simultaneously exercising the leadership skills of medical students. By providing accessible eye screenings and educating communities about common ophthalmic conditions, BES facilitates transitions to medical care with an awareness of patients’ financial and cultural contexts. The organization primarily serves uninsured individuals aged 18 and older, many of whom lack regular medical care. Since its first clinic, BES has successfully identified and connected patients with needed ophthalmological care, positively impacting the community by preserving vision—a vital aspect of the human experience. The involvement of dedicated individuals, ensures the ongoing success and sustainability of BES.
About Alec
I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and spent my early childhood there before moving to Atlanta, Georgia, where significant experiences shaped my aspirations. Returning to Cincinnati for medical school has allowed me to contribute to the community that influenced my formative years. I graduated from the University of Georgia with majors in both biology and psychology and a minor in Spanish.
My journey into medicine was inspired by my involvement with the Young Men’s Service League in Atlanta, where I became aware of the healthcare disparities in my community. This experience, coupled with my time at Mercy Health Center in Athens, Georgia, solidified my desire to address health disparities. At the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, I have pursued this goal through opportunities like the Urban Health Project, the medical Spanish longitudinal elective, and my involvement with Bearcat Eye Service (BES). Choosing this elective is another step toward ensuring BES’s sustainable success and my growth as a physician. My future career aspirations lie in ophthalmology, where I aim to reduce health disparities and find fulfillment in preserving and restoring vision for my patients.