Seeing Clearly: MLK Day Vision Clinics Serve Clark County (Photo) - 01/23/26

VANCOUVER — Heriberto Molina, 63, received a free eye exam and a prescription for new glasses during a Kaiser Permanente MLK Days of Service vision clinic held Thursday, Jan. 22, in Clark County.

Molina was referred to the clinic by Free Clinics of Southwest Washington and attended the appointment with his daughter, Karen Molina, who helped him get there, communicate his needs, and choose his new glasses. Molina's previous grocery store reading glasses were broken and no longer effective, in part because the vision in each of his eyes is different. Molina said he has three of "the best" daughters and smiled as he credited Karen’s help, adding simply, "She loves me."

"We are very thankful for this opportunity to get care that will help me be healthier and improve my day-to-day life," Molina said. "This is a really good thing for the community and for people who don't have the resources for an eye exam. From the minute we walked in, everyone was so helpful and friendly, and we felt very comfortable."

Kaiser Permanente optometrist Dr. Jeffrey Fries examined Molina and determined he has normal age-related vision changes. He prescribed bifocals to help Molina see clearly both near and far.

"Dr. Fries took time to examine me very well, and I really appreciate that," Molina said. "I like to watch sports on TV. Soccer is my favorite. But I was having trouble seeing and reading things every day, like grocery store labels. I try to live my best life. Laughter makes everything better, and being able to see better will help me every day."

Molina's daughter said his wife, Maricela, will be glad he no longer needs to borrow her glasses. "She'd always tell him, 'Go get your own,'" she said.

Fries said participating in the MLK Days of Service reflects why he chose a career in eye care.

"One of the primary reasons I pursued this work was to help others," Fries said. "A day like today is unique, and I feel fortunate that Kaiser Permanente supports community service events like this."

He added that access to vision care can make a meaningful difference in daily life. "Whether it's glasses or a broader medical concern, the care we provide helps patients drive safely, maintain a job, and better enjoy time with their families."

Kaiser Permanente Vision Essentials held three free vision clinics in Vancouver and Longview around the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, as well as three more in Portland, Clackamas, Ore., and Salem, Ore., and was able to offer 161 patients free eye exams, glasses, and prescriptions if needed.