Meet CCHCS staff committed to eye health

Meet CCHCS staff committed to eye health

In honor of January as National Glaucoma Awareness Month, CCHCS is recognizing the hard work of staff committed to eye health.

This month, CCHCS spotlights two valuable staff members spearheading Western University Vision’s mobile eye care visits.

Optometry bus.

We celebrate their commitment to providing essential care and making a lasting impact on the health of those they serve.

Susan Yoshino is committed to underserved populations

Staff Spotlight: Dr. Susan Yoshino, DO, MS
Regional Physician Advisor, Utilization Management

Dr. Yoshino, a board-certified internal medicine specialist, has spent much of her career serving underserved populations.

“I’ve always been passionate about providing care to those who need it most. It was there that I truly understood the challenges people face in accessing quality health care,” she said.

She previously worked in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) across Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange counties.

After serving as a Medical Director in Utilization Management at a Medi-Cal Managed Care Organization, Dr. Yoshino joined CCHCS as a physician advisor. In her new role, she focused on integrating vision care into the broader health services for incarcerated individuals.

“I became involved in optometry through three main areas: low vision care, primary care management of eye conditions, and coordinating optometry services,” she explained.

Establishing low-vision clinics, comprehensive care

One of Yoshino’s major achievements was establishing low-vision evaluation clinics at multiple CCHCS institutions. She did this in collaboration with Western University of Health Sciences’ Vision Rehabilitation Clinic.

“Our goal was to provide comprehensive eye care, including assistive devices, to patients with impaired vision,” she said.

She is also preparing a care guide for primary care providers, offering advice on diagnosing and treating eye conditions, referring patients to optometry or ophthalmology, and assigning Disability Placement Program (DPP) codes.

Yoshino initiated quarterly meetings for onsite optometrists to encourage collaboration and address common challenges.

“I wanted to create a space where optometrists could share experiences, learn from one another, and ensure we’re aligned in providing the best care possible,” she said.

When discussing glaucoma, Yoshino emphasizes the importance of regular eye exams, particularly for at-risk populations.

“Glaucoma is a silent condition that can lead to blindness if left untreated. It often develops with no early symptoms, so it’s crucial for groups with high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of glaucoma to get regular eye exams,” she said.

Glaucoma is more prevalent among black and Hispanic populations and is the leading cause of blindness in individuals over 60.

“Early detection is key, and routine screenings can help prevent further damage,” she concludes.

Mandy Ferrell’s mobile eye-care visits transform lives

Staff Spotlight: Mandy Ferrell, Registered Nurse, MSN
Nursing Consultant, Program Review (NCPR), Utilization Management

Mobile eye care visits from Western University Vision are providing essential support to the incarcerated population, enhancing their independence and aiding in rehabilitation. Mandy Ferrell, a dedicated Registered Nurse (RN) with 28 years of experience in healthcare, has played a pivotal role in the success of this initiative within CCHCS.

A career focused on patient care

Her career has spanned roles in neonatal intensive care units, case management, and nursing care programs before joining CCHCS. She began as a Utilization Management (UM) RN and was later promoted to NCPR within the UM Department. She currently manages the scheduling for low vision consultations, ensuring that patients with the greatest need receive care first.

“I’m passionate about making a direct impact, especially for incarcerated individuals,” Ferrell explained. “I work with a great team to make sure the clinics run smoothly and efficiently, prioritizing those who need help the most.”

The mobile eye care visits provide consultations and specialized devices—such as magnifiers—that help incarcerated individuals perform essential tasks like reading their own documents and participating in legal proceedings.

“For many, just the ability to read on their own or attend court proceedings is a huge step toward regaining autonomy,” she said.

Beyond improving basic tasks, the program also helps incarcerated individuals engage more in rehabilitation programs, contributing to their reintegration into society.

“These services open doors for them to access programs that support their rehabilitation and personal growth,” she added.

Positive outcomes, feedback

The program has received positive feedback, with incarcerated individuals reporting greater independence in managing their affairs. Staff also note increased engagement in rehabilitation. “It has a big impact on their dignity and sense of self-worth,” she shared.

She and her team are committed to expanding the program to reach more individuals.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve and broaden our services,” she concluded.

Story by Amanda Spangler, program analyst
California Correctional Health Care Services


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