April 28, 2025
UMSL College of Optometry students Alexandra Buffington and Vivien Pham joined Dr. Linda Marks on a service trip to Guatemala through I Care International, where they helped examine around 1,100 patients across four days in Panimatzalam and San Lucas Tolimán. Alongside licensed optometrists, they conducted eye exams, diagnosed conditions, and distributed glasses to those in need—making a meaningful impact on patients, including young children with conditions like cataracts or nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
This experience added to Buffington and Pham’s humanitarian involvement during their time at UMSL, deepening their clinical skills and reaffirming their commitment to community service. As they prepare to graduate in May 2025, both students expressed a strong desire to continue serving underserved populations through future humanitarian work.
