Adams named top ANG optometrist
By Capt. Amy Mundell, 123rd Medical Group
/ Published August 09, 2008
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD, LOUISVILLE, KY. -- Capt. Tricia Adams has been named the 2007 Air National Guard Optometry Officer of the Year for her outstanding achievements in the Kentucky Air Guard's 123rd Medical Group.
In 2007, Captain Adams was the sole optometrist serving the base population, providing visual screenings and occupational health examinations for all personnel.
She also provided critical support to the medical group through her participation in the Periodic Health Assessments program, accomplishing more than 30 eye exams each drill weekend, officials said.
Moreover, Captain Adams reorganized the Soft Contact Lens Program, significantly improving efficiency and increasing the follow-up compliance rate to 100 percent.
Captain Adams also implemented the Frame of Choice Spectacle Program at the 123rd Airlift Wing, allowing all eyeglass-wearing active-duty members to receive one pair of civilian-style frames at no cost.
Since joining the Kentucky Air National Guard, Captain Adams continues to be actively involved in community service activities at home and abroad.
She has, for example, completed 10 Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity missions worldwide to locations such as Paraguay and Peru. During these missions, Captain Adams typically provides eye examinations to nearly 500 patients.
At home, she provides no-cost examinations to the needy through the Lions Club, the Daviess County Detention Center and to migrant workers through the Centro Latino Program.
Captain Adams earned her bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Louisville and her doctor of optometry degree at Indiana University.
She joined the Kentucky Air Guard in 2005.