Worcester, MA (July 6, 2015) The Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center (Kennedy CHC) announces that its new Worcester optometry practice officially opened on Monday, July 6, 2015. Kennedy CHC’s optometry practice was expanded in partnership with the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) to address access issues related to vision care services in Worcester, as well as to provide a clinical site for MCPHS doctor of optometry (OD) students to practice their learned skills. Congressman James P. McGovern was the honored guest at the opening event.
With an eight-month wait list for Kennedy CHC patients to see its one optometrist, Kennedy CHC entered into the partnership with MCPHS in an effort to expand services while meeting the clinical requirement for the University’s OD students. MCPHS has provided the clinical equipment, students and preceptors; Kennedy CHC is providing the space and patients, and will keep the revenue thus making the expanded services sustainable over the long term.
Kennedy CHC built out the new space and infrastructure for the expanded optometry practice at its 631 Lincoln Street, which also houses community programs, a call center and a nurses’ triage area. The renovation of the facility resulted in five exam rooms to accommodate Kennedy CHC’s one optometrist and four students and preceptors from MCPHS, in addition to a specialty exam room, optical shop and waiting area. The cost of the build-out was generously supported in part by the George I. Alden Trust, the Fletcher Foundation, the Stoddard Charitable Trust and The Health Foundation of Central Mass.
