
Doctors from Kaiser Permanente Vision Essentials provided free eye exams for people in need as part of volunteer program
A Vancouver man is back on the road — literally — as a driver with a new pair of glasses, courtesy of a special volunteer program organized by Kaiser Permanente.
Nelson Rivera, who drives for ride share services, said he is grateful to have been the recipient of a free eye exam last week during Kaiser Permanente’s MLK Days of Service.
Optometrist Dr. Jeffrey Shrock was one of many doctors throughout the Northwest who participated in the program.

There were clinics set up by Kaiser Permanent Vision Essentials in Vancouver and Longview in Washington as well as in Portland, Clackamas, and Salem in Oregon. In all, 162 patients received free eye exams.
Rivera and other patients like him who are is prediabetic are at a higher risk for vision problems. Shrock ordered a pair of new bifocals for Rivera, who was referred to the MLK Day vision clinic by Battle Ground Health Care.
“Any time we give back to the people in our community, it’s very meaningful and gives my job even more purpose,” Shrock said.
Shrock has been participating in Kaiser Permanente’s MLK Days of Service for 15 years.
Also read:
- Opinion: California’s $20 fast food minimum wage creates less jobs and lower incomeStudy data show California fast food workers now face fewer shifts, higher menu prices, and widespread automation after the $20 wage hike.
- Gov. Ferguson signs law to undo WA estate tax increase enacted last yearWashington rolls back its estate tax hike, restoring previous rates and prompting uncertainty around $340 million in expected revenue for education.
- Vancouver house fire displaces residentsCrews from Vancouver Fire Department stopped a living room blaze from spreading, but five residents were forced out due to lingering smoke.
- VIDEO: Vote-by-mail rules in WA at risk in SCOTUS election law caseMore than 127,000 Washington ballots postmarked by Election Day but received after could be disqualified under a possible Supreme Court ruling, prompting debate from both parties.
- Rounding out debate, Gov. Ferguson signs bill addressing retailers’ penny problemA new Washington law lets merchants round cash purchases to the nearest 5 cents, aiming to manage change as shortages of pennies affect both businesses and customers.
- Opinion: State is rightly emphasizing experience and skills, not degreesElizabeth New explains how a new state policy removes unnecessary advanced degree requirements, supporting skills-based employment and broadening opportunities for capable workers.
- Opinion: The wealth migration is real – which states are benefiting?IRS data shows Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming attracted significant wealth from new residents, while Washington state saw a loss of $500 million as its new capital gains tax took effect.








