Surgical Eye Missions
Dr. J. Alberto Martinez and a dedicated team of US-based and Honduran professionals conduct surgical eye missions through which life-changing ophthalmic surgeries are performed free of charge. These missions are a beacon of hope for individuals who suffer from vision impairment caused by cataracts and corneal diseases. Through meticulous surgical interventions, we strive to restore sight and empower individuals to reclaim their independence and quality of life, at a fraction of the cost of such surgeries in the United States.
Cornea Transplants
Performing corneal transplants have been the primary purpose of the Visionary Foundation’s surgical eye missions historically. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. Any damage or disease affecting the cornea can lead to significant vision loss and impairment, making it difficult for individuals to see clearly. To help those suffering from corneal diseases, corneal transplant surgery, known as keratoplasty, is performed. This delicate procedure replaces a damaged or diseased cornea with healthy donor tissue, offering a lifeline to those in need.
Corneal transplants are largely inaccessible or unaffordable for most living in the developing world. Throughout many parts of the world, there are no eye banks through which to obtain corneal tissue for transplantation. Furthermore, even when available, it is often cost prohibitive. In the US, the average cornea transplant surgery costs well over $10,000.
Through our surgical eye missions and generous donors like you, we are able to provide a cornea transplants in Honduras free of charge at a cost of roughly $650 per surgery. To date, we have completed over 100 successful cornea transplants.
Cataract Surgeries
Cataracts cloud the eye’s natural lens, causing vision to become progressively blurred and obscured. Cataracts represent a significant barrier to daily activities and economic opportunities for many in underserved communities.
The Visionary Foundation has facilitated over 300 cataract surgeries in San Pedro Sula, Honduras alone since its establishment, at a cost of roughly $250 per surgery. With each surgery, we not only restore vision but also renew hope and vitality, allowing individuals to engage fully once again in their lives and communities.
Domestic Charitable Eye Care
The Visionary Foundation recognizes that access to affordable eye care is often a challenge even for those residing in more affluent contexts. We therefore seek to provide basic services to the underinsured or resource-challenged members of our local community in the metro Washington, DC area.
Skills Transfer
During our surgical eye missions, Dr. Martinez has imparted cutting edge, surgical skills to several local ophthalmologists. It is the hope of the Visionary Foundation to expand and deepen this training to better empower local ophthalmologists and affiliated professionals in Honduras to be able to provide higher quality services to their patients.
Research
The Visionary Foundation seeks to expand its efforts to include research on preventing and treating common ocular diseases, including dry eye disease. Recognizing the importance of advancing knowledge and innovation in treating vision-related disorders, we have embarked on a journey of discovery to enhance patient treatments & refine surgical techniques.
