Seeing Clearly: Community, Connection, and Care at Our January Muster & Mingle
On Tuesday, January 6th, Operation Veteran and Caregiver Support kicked off the new year with a welcoming Muster & Mingle in Piqua. Nearly 30 veterans, caregivers, and family members gathered for an evening centered on good food, meaningful conversation, and practical information to support whole-person wellness.
Our guest speaker for the evening was Dr. Jeffery Bloom of Bloom Eye Care, who shared valuable insights on eye health and vision care — topics especially relevant for our veteran community.
Comfort Food & Connection
Dinner was the kind of meal that invites people to linger. We served homemade chili, cornbread, and a veggie tray, along with every chili topping you could want: sour cream, chopped onions, shredded cheese, and Fritos. For dessert, guests enjoyed cupcakes and peach pies generously provided by George and Patty Jewell.
After a few announcements about upcoming Operation Veteran and Caregiver Support events (click here for more info), we opened the food line. It moved a little slower than usual — not from lack of organization, but because everyone was taking a moment to make their chili just right. As plates filled, the room buzzed with conversation as attendees caught up on holidays, family, and the happenings in one another’s lives.
Once dinner wrapped up, Penny Adams shared updates from the Miami Valley Veterans Museum, including their renewed effort to collect verbal histories from veterans. These interviews will be archived with the Library of Congress, preserving personal stories and service experiences for generations to come.
Eye Health Education with Dr. Jeffery Bloom
Dr. Bloom then took the stage, offering an informative and approachable presentation on the most common causes of vision loss and the importance of routine eye care. His relaxed, down-to-earth style made it easy for veterans to ask questions and engage in discussion.
Key takeaways from his presentation included:
- VA vision insurance is strong and widely accepted in the community, making routine eye care accessible for veterans.
- Cataract surgery isn’t as intimidating as many people fear, and modern procedures are highly effective.
- Macular degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss in the United States, while cataracts remain the leading cause worldwide.
- Macular degeneration occurs more frequently in Caucasians, which is why testing is often more aggressive.
- Diabetes can impact eye health, ranking among the top causes of vision loss.
- For many people, over-the-counter reading glasses are just as effective as prescribed readers. Dr. Bloom encouraged attendees to bring a book or phone to the store and try glasses at their normal reading distance until they find a comfortable fit.
- Among veterans, the most common cause of vision loss Dr. Bloom sees is macular degeneration, which he believes may be linked to long-term exposure to sun, sand, and drying conditions — particularly for sailors who served above deck.
Dr. Bloom also emphasized that eye exams shouldn’t be skipped for years at a time. Annual routine checks are just as important as dental cleanings or physicals with a primary care provider, especially since many eye conditions show no early symptoms.
A Meaningful Evening
Several veterans shared afterward how much they appreciated Dr. Bloom’s approachable manner and the opportunity to ask questions without feeling judged. It was clear the information resonated and left attendees better equipped to take charge of their eye health.
We’re grateful to Dr. Jeffery Bloom and Bloom Eye Care for stepping outside traditional clinic hours to support our veteran community, and to everyone who helped make this Muster & Mingle such a meaningful evening.
