What is Vision Bridge?
Vision Bridge emerged in partnership between Loyola Medicine Ophthalmology & HF Healthcare Services and is built on a simple but powerful belief: lasting impact comes from empowering communities, not just serving them.
Instead of one-time interventions, the program focuses on:
● Training and mentoring local healthcare professionals
● Strengthening clinical systems and infrastructure
● Sharing skills, knowledge, and best practices
● Creating pathways for continuous, independent care
It is a bridge, a shift from dependency to self-sufficiency, from temporary relief to lasting change.
Vision Bridge – February 26 Edition
On February 21st, 17 HF USA Volunteers arrived at Nasir Hospital, Guatemala to help treat, teach, learn and build something enduring.
Over five surgical days, the team completed a total of 88 procedures, 80 cataracts (including 6 bilateral cases) and 8 pterygium surgeries.
Patients arrived with stories of blurred vision, years of discomfort, and in many cases, quiet resignation. For some, this was their first opportunity to receive specialized eye care.
But alongside every consultation and every procedure, something deeper was happening – skills were being transferred, a foundation for the future was being laid.
Alongside the surgical flow, the team was simultaneously running research studies on Sleep Apnea and Social Determinants of Health.
This is what makes Vision Bridge different. It is not only about what happens in a day, it is about what continues for years.
A Glimpse of Impact
Throughout the initiative:
● Individuals received essential eye care that had long been out of reach
● Local medical teams gained hands-on experience and practical training
● Systems were strengthened to support ongoing treatment and follow-up care
● Each interaction carried a dual purpose: to heal today, and to sustain tomorrow.
Stories of Sight and Hope
Genesis, 9 years old
Bilateral Cataract surgeries
Genesis Díaz, a 9-year-old girl, had been living with congenital bilateral cataracts. She was diagnosed with bilateral cataracts two years ago, and since then her vision had been extremely limited. Before the surgery, Genesis could only count fingers at about 10 centimeters from her eyes, which represents roughly 1% of visual capacity. Her parents had initially sought medical help elsewhere. However, following the recommendation of another person, they decided to cancel that process and bring her to Nasir Hospital, hoping to find a better opportunity for their daughter. On Monday, February 23, during the Vision Bridge mission, Genesis finally underwent bilateral cataract surgery at Nasir Hospital. For her family, the procedure meant far more than a medical intervention, it represented the possibility for their daughter to begin seeing the world with a new clarity. Currently, Genesis is recovering very well from her surgery and is happy because she can now see clearly. She is also excited because on Monday, March 9, she will return to school, marking an important step as she resumes her normal childhood activities with a new vision of the world.
Aron Escobar
Pterygium surgery
Aron Escobar came to Nasir Hospital for pterygium surgery on his left eye after learning about the Vision Bridge campaign through social media. For some time, the condition had been affecting his vision and causing discomfort, making everyday activities more difficult. When he heard about the opportunity to receive treatment, he decided to take a step of faith. From the moment he arrived, Aron felt supported. The medical team and staff treated him with genuine care, patience, and kindness. He shared that throughout the entire process, from evaluation to surgery and recovery, he never felt alone. Every question was answered, every concern was addressed, and he felt truly cared for.
Victor Corado and Clara Corado
Cataract surgery
Víctor Corado shares that he and his mother, Clara Corado, are very satisfi ed with the facilities at Nasir Hospital. For some time, Clara had been suffering from an eye condition. While searching for solutions, they found information that Nasir Hospital was offering this type of surgery through the Mission Vision Bridge campaign. After learning more about the medical mission and the care the hospital provides, they felt confi dent in making the decision to seek treatment there.
Víctor expresses that from the very moment they arrived, they felt well received. He emphasizes how satisfi ed they are with the attention and professionalism of the doctors, describing them as very good and highly attentive from the beginning of their experience.
Clara Corado underwent cataract surgery on her left eye. She shares that during the operation she felt very well and calm. Today, she says she is happy and deeply grateful, highlighting that she was treated with kindness and care.
Voices from the Field
The impact of Vision Bridge is felt not only by patients, but by those delivering care.
Local healthcare professionals spoke of renewed confidence and capability, equipped not just with tools, but with knowledge they will carry forward.
Volunteers reflected on an experience that went beyond service, one rooted in partnership, learning, and shared purpose.
Víctor Corado shares that he and his mother, Clara Corado, are very satisfied with the facilities at Nasir Hospital. For sometime, Clara had been suffering from an eye condition. While searching for solutions, they found information that Nasir Hospital was offering this type of surgery through the Mission Vision Bridge campaign. After learning more about the medical mission and the care the hospital provides, they felt confident in making the decision to seek treatment there.
Víctor expresses that from the very moment they arrived, they felt well received. He emphasizes how satisfied they are with the attention and professionalism of the doctors, describing them as very good and highly attentive from the beginning of their experience.
Clara Corado underwent cataract surgery on her left eye. She shares that during the operation she felt very well and calm. Today, she says she is happy and deeply grateful, highlighting that she was treated with kindness and care.
Dr. Terrence Murphy
PGY4 Resident, Rush University
I went on Humanity First’s Gift of Sight trip to Guatemala to restore vision and improve the lives of those without ophthalmology access. By the end of the week, our team accomplished that and much more. We created a community rooted in service and solidarity. We exchanged ideas and practices with local eye care professionals.
And we learned new surgical skills and how to provide care with limited resources. I’m grateful for everything this experience offered and can’t wait to participate again!
Dr. Josiah To
PGY4 Resident, Cook County Ophthalmology
The global ophthalmology trip to Guatemala was the most meaningful and memorable experience of my training. The most impactful part of the trip was the opportunity to interact directly with patients whose lives were profoundly changed using our skills as eye surgeons. Many of the patients we cared for expressed extraordinary gratitude, and it was humbling to witness how restoring vision could immediately transform their independence, livelihoods, and quality of life. Overall, this trip was an incredibly rewarding experience that strengthened my commitment to global ophthalmology. It has further solidifi ed my desire to continue participating in international ophthalmology initiatives and, hopefully, to return for future trips.
Looking Ahead
Vision Bridge is more than an initiative, it is a commitment to Healthcare’s long-term vision for sustainable eye care around the world. Building up from short-term missions like Gift of Sight which deliver life-changing care, Vision Bridge will endeavour to make that care permanent: empowering local surgeons operating year-round, with continuous follow-up, physical infrastructure, and fi nancial self-sufficiency through a hybrid revenue model combining project-based donations, patient revenue streams, value-added partnerships, grants, and commercial fi nancing.
The roadmap extends from Guatemala as the operational hub to Ivory Coast and Tanzania by 2030, scalable, replicable, and academically grounded.
Vision Bridge will support communities as they build their own capacity & where quality eye care is not a privilege, but a reality for all.
