Ivan H. Garcia, M.D. was one of  several doctors recognized by Catholic Charities on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at the 24th Annual Healthcare Professionals Breakfast for their commitment and volunteer efforts for the patients of the Esperanza Center Healthcare Services Cener.

Dr. Garcia has volunteered at the Esperanza Center for almost two decades. So long, in fact, that staff can’t recall when Dr. Garcia was not treating patients there.  Upon accepting the award, Dr. Garcia graciously thanked the staff members and volunteers who have helped through the years.  He concluded by issuing a challenge to his fellow healthcare professionals to not only make financial contributions, but give of their time helping patients as well. He acknowledged that sometimes giving time is just as if not more important than giving money.

The Esperanza Center is a Catholic Charities-run community center for immigrants in Baltimore City, offering diverse programs to promote family health and unity, social integration, and citizenship. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Baltimore compassionately care for more than 160,000 people and serves over a quarter million meals every year to those who are hungry. Catholic Charities is the leading private provider of human services in Maryland, widely known for creative and compassionate caregiving and for developing programs aimed at self sufficiency.

Serving as Medical Director at OMNI Eye Specialists, Dr. Garcia typically volunteers one Saturday every two to three months at the Esperanza Center. He treats patients in need of eye exams, diabetic retinopathy screenings, glaucoma and cataract screenings, as well as many other medical eye conditions. Patients requiring follow-up care are seen again at Dr. Garcia’s private practice at OMNI Eye Specialists located at several locations across the Baltimore area. Typically, the practice treats several patients a week under a mission program as well as performing one surgery a week. In addition to the Esperanza Center, the team at OMNI Eye Specialists participates in the Mission Cataract and the Mission of Mercy programs.