Meet Our Team – Optometric Assistant: Loni Nofziger
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
All of the departments at Chapa-De made big changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes the optometry department. During the start of the pandemic, the optometry department was temporarily closed for exams. Our providers switched to phone consults. We also offered repairs, orders, or dispensing of glasses, by appointment only. Once it was safe to resume services with all the necessary precautions in place, our team stepped up! Optometric Assistant, Loni Nofziger is one of the team members who helped make a difference.
Loni and the optometry team have stayed busy. Many patients had appointments impacted by COVID-19 at the start of the pandemic. Patients are now able to call to set up an appointment for their eye exam. It is important that we ensure all patients receive the services and care they need.
Currently the optometry department sees about 70% as many patients each day, compared to pre-COVID. This allows us to do a thorough cleaning of all rooms and equipment between appointments. Additionally, appointments are required for all services. Drop-ins are no longer supported. Loni said, “It is different for sure, but it is working. We continue to stay busy like we did before Covid, now it is just a different kind of busy.”
Many departments at Chapa-De use an integrated approach to healthcare. That can include the optometry department. In her role, Loni often supports the diabetes department. Diabetes can affect vision. Loni helps ensure patients with diabetes are up to date on their exams. Preventative care is very important, and we believe working together is the best way to serve our patients.
Loni enjoys working with Chapa-De and the optometry team. She said, “My experience at Chapa-De has been great. Our Optometry department is the best. It is really nice to have affordable prices for patients to be able to get glasses.”
Chapa-De accepts Medi-Cal and Medicare insurance plans. We also offer a sliding fee scale for uninsured and low-income patients. Getting eye care does not need to be scary, and it does not need to be expensive. We are committed to offering quality compassionate care to all patients. For more information about eligibility options at Chapa-De, click HERE.
Loni has lived in Grass Valley for most of her life. When she is not providing care and support to Chapa-De patients, she enjoys all the outdoor activities this area has to offer. She said, “I like to go quad riding with my husband and two sons. We love taking the RV out and camping with friends whenever we can.”
Learn more about the optometry department at Chapa-De, HERE.
For more information, call our Auburn location at (530) 887-2800 or our Grass Valley location at (530) 477-8545 or visit us online at chapa-de.org.
PASSIONATE PEOPLE. COMPASSIONATE CARE.
Chapa-De provides medical care, dental care, optometry, behavioral health, pharmacy services and much more.
Serving all American Indian, Low Income and Limited Income Community Members
