Approximately 80 veterans and their family members received free, comprehensive eye exams Saturday at American Legion Post 108 in Oxford.
Thirteen eye doctors volunteered their time and talents for the six-hour event along with technicians, seven externs in the Henry Ford College Ophthalmic Technician Program and members of the Rotary Club of Oxford.
‘I really appreciate people like this,? said World War II veteran JB McQueen, 88, of Oxford. ‘It lets you know that there is some good in the world yet.?
McQueen served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed on the island of Guam during America’s fight against Imperial Japan. Following the war, he spent 32 years teaching math at Oxford High School before retiring in 1985.
‘I have a dear friend (Rotarian Bob Warnke) and he told me about this,? McQueen said. ‘I hadn’t had my eyes checked in a while, so he was gracious enough to bring me out. I think this is great.?
Oxford resident Robert Platz, who served in the U.S. Army stateside from 1962-64, was extremely grateful for this ‘wonderful opportunity? to have his eyes examined.
‘It’s a godsend for me,? he said. ‘It’s an ideal situation because I don’t have eye coverage on my insurance.?
Platz has been battling cancer for about a year-and-a-half. It started in his throat and spread to his lungs.
Because of his condition, he tries to keep a close watch on every aspect of his health.
‘I’m really glad I came down here,? Platz said. ‘They’re saying I’ve got problems in my right eye. Nothing really critical, but the doctor wants to see me in six months.?
Platz learned about the eye-exam event by reading the Leader. He’s been a subscriber for about 50 years.
‘I thank you for writing that article and bringing this to the attention of the people of Oxford,? he said. ‘I think everybody should have their eyes checked.?
A Vietnam veteran who goes by the name of ‘Partnr? was very impressed by the size and efficiency of the event.
‘It’s quite an operation,? said the Rochester Hills resident and member of the American Legion Riders at Post 108. ‘The post is looking out for its members.?
Partnr, who served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and was stationed in Phu Bai, decided it was finally time to get his eyes checked, which resulted in him getting a brand new pair of reading glasses, free of charge.
‘I put it off for more than 10 years. Just didn’t get around to it,? he said.
Roy Blankenburg, an 80-year-old lifelong Orion Township resident who served in the Michigan National Guard from 1953-72, liked the fact he didn’t have to travel too far to get his peepers inspected.
‘This is a good deal,? said the 1953 Lake Orion High School graduate. ‘I don’t move around too much.?
Blankenburg noted he’s lived in the same house for 53 years, which is located just two blocks from where he was born.
But it wasn’t just veterans who benefitted.
Family members of veterans, like Oxford resident Chris Ophus, also received free exams.
Ophus, whose father spent 28 years in the military between active duty and reserve, doesn’t have vision insurance because he works for a small, local company.
‘I’m glad they could come out and do this,? he said. ‘Veterans and their family members sometimes can’t afford this.?
Post 108 Commander Rick Moorhead was very pleased with all aspects of the event, particularly how well everyone was treated by the doctors and other volunteers.
‘I think the biggest thing is at the (Veterans Affairs Medical Centers), you’re a number. Here, you’re a person,? he said.

Docs who donated time
Dr. Anne Nachazel, Dr. Sue Lim,
Dr. Jaime Aragones, Dr. John Hart,
Dr. Gary Keoleian, Dr. Tim Page,
Dr. Paul Ernst, Dr. Steve Fite,
Dr. Roxana Hakimzadeh,
Dr. Dave Diskin, Dr. Greg Fitzgerald,
Dr. Brian Sygiel & Dr. Erica Peterson.