​A nation facing preventable blindness: 

Preventable blindness remains a major public-health challenge in the Dominican Republic. More than 30,000 people are bilaterally blind, with cataracts as the leading cause. Many never receive care due to limited awareness, scarce resources, and financial barriers. To eliminate the backlog, the World Health Organization estimates that roughly 3,000 surgeries per million people are needed each year. In the DR,  only about 900 procedures per million are currently performed, leaving thousands without access to sight-restoring surgery. Other common causes of vision loss include uncorrected refractive errors, pterygium, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy- all conditions that are treatable when care is available. 

 

Strabismus: Impact across all ages: Strabismus affects both children and adults. In children, untreated strabismus can lead to amblyopia, a preventable and permanent loss of vision. In adults, strabismus oten goes untreated and can affect daily functioning, confidence and earning potential. Our team provides evaluation, education, surgery and glasses to address strabismus and its long-term impact.

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Our Experience

Twenty years of sight-saving care:

For more than two decades, our volunteer teams have delievered clinical and surgical eye care to thousands of patients. Most of our work has taken place in Puerto Plata, with temporary relocation to Santiago during hospital construction. We continue to collaborate closely with local ophthalmologists and residents to expand access and strengthen continuity of care. 

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Our Mission

Bringing sight to the northern coast:​

Each year, our volunteer physicians, nurses and support staff travel to the northern coast of the Domincant Republic to provide a week of medical and surgical eye care. Our mission focuses on serving patients who otherwise have limited access to treatment. 

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Building local strength, together:

Our work extends beyond a single week. We partner with local ophthalmologists to share knowledge, support training, and ensure patients receive follow-up care. This collaboration helps build sustainable eye-care capacity with the community. 

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How We Work

A volunteer-driven team: 

Our team is made up entirely of volunteers- physicians, nurses, technicians, and other non-medical members. Many are based at Children’s National Hospital in Washington D.C., with additional volunteers joining from across the United States and abroad. Every member contributes their time and expertise to make this mission possible. 

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Our model:

Our team members carry with them to the DR all of the medical and surgical supplies needed for the project, in addition to all ophthalmic equipment and surgical instruments. We have no administrative salaries and rely completely on volunteer effor and donated resources. Every contribution directly supports patient care. 

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