PHOTOS: A fixture in the community

Compton residents have easy access to typical urban commodities: cellphones, fast food, liquor. But there aren’t many places they can turn to for eye care besides Messinger, here examining Taylor in his office.  (Christina House / For The Times)

Messinger meets with a patient at his office in Compton. For more than 30 years he has worked as the sole optometrist in Compton, caring for the eyesight of mainly needy patients who don’t have the means to seek regular eye care.  (Christina House / For The Times)

Crystal Lee of Compton, right, tries on her eyeglasses after having them adjusted by Armando Rivas, Messinger’s office manager. The optometrist’s patient load has declined, the result of cuts in Medi-Cal, California’s healthcare program.  (Christina House / For The Times)

Optician Mary Vasquez, right, helps Sophia Taylor select a pair of eyeglasses during a visit to Messinger’s office. Messinger is confident he can overcome the recession, although he’s had to lay off three staff members. He’s also reduced his fees significantly to help his patients without insurance.  (Christina House / For The Times)