Cincinnati VA opens new eye clinic to expand veteran care

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - The Cincinnati VA Medical Center has opened a new eye clinic, with doctors saying the goal is to catch problems early before they become serious.

The 29,000-square-foot facility is separate from the main VA campus and consolidates labs, an optical shop and pre-op services on a single floor.

Last year, staff handled 39,000 appointments in their previous, smaller space. The new building is designed to handle significantly more.

Dr. Radhika Ramenaden said prevention is central to the clinic’s approach.

“We wanted to bring care to one place for our veterans to make it as easy as possible to get the care they need,” Ramenaden said.

Chris Klug, acting chief of public affairs for the Cincinnati VA Medical Center and an Army infantry veteran who became a patient at the facility, said he noticed a difference right away.

“Recently I’ve discovered at night it’s harder to see — I thought I needed some glasses,” Klug said. “I was able to go to the optical shop behind me, pick out a pair of glasses, and be on my way.”

Ramenaden said she chose to work at the VA because of the patient population.

“I actively choose to work at the VA because this population is just so rewarding to work with,” she said.

Doctors at the clinic said veterans with even minor eye concerns should not wait, adding that early intervention can make a significant difference.

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