After retinal surgery, Patrick was informed that he needed cataract removal surgery if he wanted his vision restored. Unable to afford the costly procedure, the local surgeon referred Patrick to I Care San Antonio.

Patrick’s vision was essential to his professional and personal success. As a mechanic, he was unable to read manuals or check fluids. Enjoying his favorite hobbies, like fishing and golfing, were also getting harder.

Patrick describes being greeted at the I Care Vision Center with hugs and warm welcomes. He shared how he received excellent care and added, “They don’t give up on you.”

Before his cataract surgery, Patrick had to use a magnifying glass to read. Now, it sits on his desk as a paperweight and a daily reminder. His surgery and new glasses allow him to read, tie lures for fishing, and see the golf ball on the tee and even down the fairway.

Patrick is enjoying his life to the fullest, thanks to I Care San Antonio.

Gabrielle "Gabi" and Alejandro "Alex" are incredibly bright and articulate teenagers who previously struggled at school. It was frustrating for their teachers and parents, but it also affected the teens' confidence and self-esteem. They began to withdraw and avoided raising their hands in class.

Thankfully, their teachers suspected the kids needed vision correction. Like many San Antonio families without vision insurance, the kids' parents were anxious about the burden two pairs of glasses would put on the family finances.

Once Gabi and Alex could see the board, they caught up in class and eagerly participated. The teens are now looking forward to finishing high school and going to college.

Gabi describes I Care San Antonio as a "life saver" and sincerely appreciates the staff's support. Alex emphasizes how nice it is to see people's facial features.

Both teens want to thank the staff and doctors. “We hope they know how much they are helping students like us achieve academically and in life.”

Andrellay’s faith and positivity have carried her throughout her life. She has always given of herself without expecting anything in return. As a grandmother, Andrellay’s life revolves around her grandson, Caleb (pictured with her above), for whom she is the primary guardian.

Andrellay needed cataract surgery in both of her eyes. Now, she can see clearly for the first time in nearly a decade. Her restored vision and experience at I Care San Antonio, motivated her to address her other health issues. Andrellay is now healthier than ever, by all accounts, she is thriving and living her best life.

Her restored vision is allowing her to properly care for her grandson and she is grateful to feel steady on her feet, drive, cook and read. Andrellay believes these blessings are only possible because of the incredible care she received at I Care San Antonio.

Despite his declining vision, Daniel never complained. He adapted to his diminishing eyesight, leaning more and more on his caretaker. A close call with oncoming traffic forced him to he realize he had to address his failing eyesight. This near miss prompted him to schedule an appointment with his Haven for Hope caseworker, who referred him to I Care San Antonio.

Within a few months of his initial examination, he underwent two successful cataract surgeries. Forever grateful for the invaluable gift of restored vision, Daniel is determined to pay it forward. He enthusiastically encourages everyone to explore I Care San Antonio's services.

Better vision has significantly improved Daniel's life by boosting his confidence and independence. Most importantly, Daniel is no longer dependent on his caretaker to keep him safe.

One in three women in the U.S. will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. For 45% of these survivors, the trauma includes injuries to the eyes. That was the case with Cynthia. After suffering abuse at the hands of a former partner, she found herself at Haven for Hope, only able to see shadows in her left eye.

A vision screening led her to I Care San Antonio, where doctors discovered she had a cataract in her left eye, an unusual diagnosis for someone just 54 years old, as cataracts typically develop in people 65 and older. Cynthia’s cataract was likely accelerated by trauma.

Cynthia received cataract surgery and with it regained her vision. Before surgery, she had stopped listening to music. She needed to fully concentrate just to move safely. Now, she walks with confidence, enjoys music again and puts herself first.

“I felt like no one cared,” Cynthia shared. “But I Care San Antonio cared.”

Because of the generosity of volunteer doctors and donors, a woman who lost her sight to violence now sees a future full of light and possibility.