helping  people  see

In addition, because helping people is so important to Dr. Shimada, she has closed her La Habra optometry office for two weeks almost every summer for the past 16 years to help others.  Over the years, Dr. Shimada has participated in both humanitarian and medical mission teams to Southern China, the Samoan Islands, Thailand, Myanmar, Morocco, Tanzania, and Vietnam.  During these trips, she has provided free eye care to thousands of people, and has had the privilege of helping many of them to see clearly for the first time.  (Where will Dr. Shimada go next?  Well, she has committed to go to return to Vietnam with a Medical Compassion Team for two weeks in January 2018)
    
In recognition of Dr. Shimada's numerous contributions to her community and profession, Dr. Shimada was given the prestigious "California Young Optometrist of the Year” Award, presented by the California Optometric Association, and was awarded the "America's Top Optometrists" award in 2013.
    
Additionally, Dr Shimada has received letters of commendations from former California Governor Pete Wilson, former California State Senator Richard Ackerman, and former United States Senator Barbara Boxer honoring her for her community involvement in La Habra and North Orange County.