‘I Felt Helpless’: San Antonio Mechanic Finds Hope Through Restored Vision

For months, life felt dark for Bradlon “Brad,” a 42-year-old San Antonio mechanic, who feared failing eyesight would cost him everything.

When Brad came into I Care San Antonio the first time, he couldn’t read any letters on the eye chart, his vision was limited to seeing hand motion in one eye. In his best eye, he could see how many fingers the technician was holding up at five feet in front of him. Brad struggled with basic daily tasks and as his eyesight worsened, depression set in. He lost job opportunities, relied heavily on his wife and no longer felt safe working on vehicles, his means for supporting his family.

“I felt helpless,” Brad said.

Before surgery, he struggled to use his phone and had to zoom in to read menus or complete forms. Filling out the application for eye care had been nearly impossible.

Without insurance, Brad searched for answers but found few options. A friend eventually connected him with a doctor who referred him to I Care SA’s Vision Center — a referral he calls life-changing.

Before arriving at I Care SA, Brad described his life as “dark, scary, depressing and demoralizing.” That changed after his first appointment.

I Care SA volunteer doctor, Donna Nguyen, M.D., diagnosed Brad with cataracts, and surgical coordinator Melissa Garza quickly stepped in to help. Within days, she coordinated care with cataract surgeon Keith Earley, M.D., and scheduled surgery for the following Friday.

“Melissa made the process completely easy,” Brad said. “You can tell she loves her job and feels passionate about getting people the help they need.” Brad said Melissa’s compassion left a lasting impact. “I feel fortunate that God put Melissa in my life,” he said. The kindness throughout the clinic stood out as much as the medical care itself. “You can tell this place is filled with God’s light,” Brad said.

Before surgery, Earley spent time talking and praying with Brad, who called the encounter a “deeply meaningful moment.”  After the procedure restored his vision, Brad became overwhelmed with emotion. “I cried because I was so grateful,” he said.

At a post-operative appointment, Melissa immediately noticed the difference. “Your eyes were a different color the last time I saw you!” she told him.

Today, Brad walks independently, drives again, navigates his phone without assistance and handles everyday tasks without magnification. He has returned to job hunting. In fact, he came directly from a job interview to his one-month, post-op appointment.

His restored vision also transformed life at home. As his vision declined, Brad worried he had become a burden to his wife, who supported the family financially while he lost the ability to care for himself. Cataracts clouded not only his eyesight, but also his outlook on life.

Now, he sees the world differently. Instead of focusing on imperfections, Brad notices opportunity and beauty. He recently noticed overgrown landscaping and saw not neglect but a work opportunity for a landscaper and beauty in the surroundings. “It says in the Bible that God continues to remold us and change our lives for the better,” he said. “This experience has remolded me and given me a better life.”

The East Side San Antonio resident now shares his story everywhere he goes. Neighbors recently asked whether he had been upset with them because he had not waved or spoken to them for months, which was so outside his character. “I hadn’t been able to see you!” he told them. Brad feels more engaged in his neighborhood again and is glad to be more socially engaged.

Brad wants the doctors, staff and donors to know their compassion changed his life. “I don’t know where I’d be or how my life would look without ICSA’s help,” Brad said. “I’m telling everyone about the good work being done here.”