Nonprofit Dedicates Eye Care Room to Local Ophthalmologist
Nonprofit Dedicates Eye Care Room to Local Ophthalmologist
Clearwater Free Clinic to honor Dr. Louis Michaelos on November 17, 2022.
Clearwater, FL – On November 17, 2022, the Clearwater Free Clinic (CFC) dedicated its beautiful ophthalmology suite in honor of physician volunteer Dr. Louis Michaelos. Dr. Michaelos is credited for starting the Clinic’s eye program in 2002. With direction and support from Dr. Michaelos, a storage closet was equipped and transformed into the Clinic’s first dedicated eye room.
Since 2002, Dr. Michaelos has volunteered his services at the nonprofit medical facility, caring for patients while building relationships that resulted in securing medical supplies and equipment and building community partnerships to provide cataract and retinal eye surgeries— all free of cost.
When asked about Dr. Michaelos’ service, CEO Jeannie Shapiro said, “Dr. Lou is an extraordinary volunteer whose medical practice has always involved giving back to the community. He has been passionate, committed, and responsible for expanding the Clinic’s Eye Program into the vital and comprehensive program it is today. It is an honor to recognize him with this special tribute.”
Over the past 20 years, thousands of Clearwater Free Clinic patients have received specialized eye care because of Dr. Louis Michaelos’ commitment to the uninsured population of our community.
In their 2022 fiscal year, the Clearwater Free Clinic had 152 eye appointments to support patients who would otherwise not be able to get the care they needed.
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Founded in 1977, the Clearwater Free Clinic provides comprehensive, integrated medical and behavioral health services to the low-income uninsured residents of Pinellas County. Today, the Clinic supports nearly 4,000 patients each year and continues to be largely volunteer-driven. The CFC is the only free clinic in Pinellas County that sees children. The Clinic is located at 1218 Court Street in Clearwater and housed in an 11,000 sq. healthcare facility.
The mission of the Clearwater Free Clinic is to deliver comprehensive medical care to uninsured families through volunteerism and community partnerships… Building healthy communities.