Giving Back - King LASIK
Dr. King considers it an honor to be able to help others improve their quality of life by performing LASIK eye surgery. Recognizing that many people around the world are not able to receive the medical and vision correction treatments they need, Dr. King and his team have partnered with many charitable organization dedicated to improving the lives of the underprivileged. Below is a partial list of the organizations King LASIK supports.
Children's Miracle Network
The mission of the Children's Miracle Network is to provide research and educational programs that help children stay healthy and out of the hospital, as well as finance life-saving treatments for children in need. The network organizes various annual fundraising events that have raised millions of dollars. Since its beginnings in 1983, Children's Miracle Network has collected more than $34 billion to support its mission. King LASIK helps the Children's Miracle Network by raising more than $12,000 every year.
Lurana Shelter
The Lurana Shelter helps women and children who are victims of domestic abuse. The organization runs an emergency shelter where fleeing women and children are offered safe facilities, food, clothing, transportation and crisis intervention services. The shelter strives to empower women to overcome their circumstances by developing healthy behaviors and attitudes. King LASIK and its Vancouver and Seattle LASIK patients support the Lurana Shelter by contributing to its annual silent auction.
King LASIK's Kathy Vuu, OD, Medical Mission Trip to Third World Countries
King LASIK is proud to support the medical mission of Kathy Vuu, OD. She has helped thousands of people in Third World countries as part of Cornerstone Medical Mission trips to Vietnam.
Katie Vuu, OD:
"This past October I was given the privilege to once again help coordinate and support Cornerstone Medical Mission's trip to Vietnam for 2 weeks. A team of 20+ medical professionals, helpers, and volunteers go to remote areas in Vietnam where poverty is evident and medical care is scarce. Our heart is to extend our hands and feet to the community through medical services and children's ministry, hoping to imprint the lives of kids and patients for a better tomorrow. Many times the eyeglasses will not fix the cataracts, nor will the vitamins cure the cancer. It's not a cure that local people are looking for. It's the ear that can listen, the heart that loves and the hands that can extend themselves to the lives that have been beaten down by war and poverty. Our team sees 300+ patients per day [in 90 degree weather with high humidity]. By the end of the day, we are fulfilled when we hear the vibrant joy, laughter and giggles that have escaped the hearts of the children!"
Sail for the Cure
Sail for the Cure works together with the Susan G. Komen breast cancer organization to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. Every year, the two organizations collaborate to organize a sailing event on the Columbia River followed by a dinner and a silent auction. King LASIK Portland offices support the auction by donating one free LASIK procedure every year.
The Edmonton Salutes Program
The purpose of the Edmonton Salutes Program is to recognize the sacrifices of Edmonton military members and their families. The organization helps members of the Edmonton community express their gratitude for security and peace provided by military men and women. King LASIK Edmonton offices participate in the program by offering a special Military Family Discount Program.
17th Annual Walk/Run for the Animals
King LASIK was pleased to support the 17th Annual Walk/Run for the Animals - a fundraising event benefitting the Humane Society for Southwest Washington. King LASIK donated $500 to the Fan 1080 Sports Radio team, which won the Leader of the Pack Trophy by raising a total of $7,370.
Free LASIK for 20 Service Members
Dr. King and his team are proud to support the military personnel who risk their lives and health to keep the country safe. To express their gratitude, in 2008 King LASIK performed 20 free LASIK procedures for service members in Renton, Washington. After their surgeries, the military servicemen and women were able to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses. King LASIK hopes that their enhanced visual acuity will help them stay safe while defending our freedom.
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
King LASIK has a long tradition of supporting the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Every year, King LASIK sponsors the Susan G. Komen foundation in three states and forms teams to participate in the racing events. In addition, Dr. Joseph King donates a free LASIK procedure every year to help raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research, treatment and prevention.
Eyeglasses Recycling Program
The Lions Club International Recycling Program helps people in Third World countries receive free eyeglasses that they desperately need but cannot afford. The World Health Organization estimates that about 153 million people cannot see clearly due to lack of eyeglasses. To address this need, the Lions Club partners with ophthalmologists and LASIK facilities worldwide to collect unwanted eyeglasses, which are then distributed to patients in Third World countries. Many of Dr. King's Seattle and Vancouver laser eye surgery patients are happy to donate their eyeglasses to this cause. King LASIK has been donating free eyeglasses to the Lions Club International Recycling Program since 2002, providing numerous pairs of corrective lenses.
Climb for Clean Air
In 2010, King LASIK partnered with the American Lung Association to support the "Climb for Clean Air 2010." The purpose of this event was to raise awareness about various lung diseases and to raise funds for research and treatments. The climb was performed by the mountaineering legend Lou Whittaker and his team, who climbed 12,410 feet to the top of Mt. Rainier.
