Helping to Cure World Blindness

Dr. Haverly’s Volunteer Mission to Guatemala: Helping to Cure World Blindness.

Dr. Haverly, a skilled ophthalmologist dedicated to helping cure world blindness, recently returned from a transformative mission in the mountains of Guatemala. Over nine days, he performed life-changing cataract and pterygium surgeries at Hospital Evangélico El Buen Samaritano in Chichicastenango. This mission provided essential eye care to a region with little access to healthcare, restoring sight and hope to many who had been living in darkness.

Restoring Sight in Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango is a remote village in the Guatemalan highlands, where medical services, especially specialized care like eye surgery, are scarce. For many, untreated cataracts or pterygium (a growth on the eye that can impair vision) had led to partial or total blindness. Dr. Haverly was thrilled to provide hope and healing to these patients.

During his time in Guatemala, Dr. Haverly performed numerous surgeries on patients who had been blind for years. The results were nothing short of miraculous. One day, a patient would come in unable to see, and after a carefully performed surgery, they would return the next day with restored vision. Witnessing their reactions—seeing the world clearly for the first time in years—was a deeply moving experience for Dr. Haverly.

Training the Next Generation of Ophthalmologists

Dr. Haverly’s mission wasn’t just about providing immediate care; it was also about equipping local healthcare providers with the skills and knowledge to continue this important work. He spent time training ophthalmologists in training from both Guatemala and Honduras, sharing his expertise in eye surgery techniques and patient care. This hands-on education will help ensure that the region can continue to offer high-quality eye care long after his visit.

In addition to working with students, Dr. Haverly also collaborated with attending ophthalmologists from the Universidad Francisco Marroquín, Guatemala City.  Together, they worked to expand the reach of eye care services in the region and strengthen the local medical community.

A Life-Changing Experience

Dr. Haverly’s time at Hospital Evangélico El Buen Samaritano was not just about the surgeries, though they were undoubtedly the highlight. It was also about connecting with the local community and seeing firsthand the profound impact that access to healthcare can have on individuals and families. He returned home with memories of grateful patients, photos of the smiling faces of those who could see again, and a renewed commitment to making a difference.

This volunteer mission was a powerful reminder that even in places where resources are limited, compassion and expertise can change lives. Dr. Haverly is looking forward to returning to Guatemala in the future to continue this important work.

Stay tuned for photos from his time in Guatemala, where you’ll see the joy on patients’ faces as they experience the gift of restored sight.

https://www.erielasereye.com/our-services-lasik-eye-surgery/cataract-surgery-with-dr-haverly/

https://cureblindness.org/

https://www.sightforlifefoundation.com/

https://www.aao.org/newsroom/news-releases/detail/half-of-childhood-blindness-in-us-preventable