Pacific Eye surgeons plan to make a major difference in the lives of the virtually blind in Honduras in two weeks. 

Pacific Eye teams up with Premier Surgery Center, Oak Park Surgery Center, and four local Rotary clubs to volunteer in Honduras this month.

On March 20, Pacific Eye will send Dr. Adam Abroms and Dr. Robert Higginbotham to operate in the city of El Progreso, which lies on important crossroads of Honduran highways making care accessible.

“I have always had a passion for fixing things," said Abroms. "As an ophthalmologist, I am challenged by fixing complicated medical problems. Today, with so many exciting technologies available, the solution to vision problems has never been more within reach.”

The majority of patients will be traveling from remote villages, where eye care is non-existent. The clinic of El Progreso is conducting a screening to select 100 patients with the greatest need for cataract surgery.

The severity of cataracts causes blindness which affects both patients and their families. With this surgery patients will regain their sight and independence and will be able to move about without the support or navigation of a family member. More importantly, patients will regain the ability to work which will allow them to provide for their families.  

It is rare to see Rotary clubs working together, according to Pacific Eye. For this project, the clubs of Arroyo Grande, Nipomo, Pismo Beach, and Grover Beach joined forces by providing a life-changing grant that will fund 100 cataract surgeries in just one week and donate high-tech surgical microscopes for the clinic to keep permanently. 

A representative from each Rotary will be traveling to Honduras: Jerry Kelly (Arroyo Grande), Judy Henbury (Nipomo), Martha Murphy (Pismo Beach) and Steve Curry (Grover Beach). They will provide support for patient’s families, thus creating a well rounded experience for all parties involved.

This is a unique opportunity for surgery technicians to give back, as volunteer trips are generally reserved for doctors only, but surgery technicians will also take part in this life changing project.

For more information contact Pacific Eye at (805) 545-8100 or visit www.PacEyeMD.com.