Braving One Storm at a Time
As the Eastern United States braced itself for the icy grip of Winter Storm Fern this January, I found myself heading in the opposite direction—toward the warmth of Nicoya, Costa Rica. But as I traveled, I reflected on the nature of "storms." Sometimes, we brave the literal wind and snow, fighting the elements to keep moving. Other times, we brave the storms of everyday reality: the systemic barriers to medical care, the scarcity of specialists, and the harsh economic structures that dictate who gets to see clearly and who does not.
Nicoya is a region known for its beauty and its "Blue Zone" longevity, yet it faces a critical shortage of eye care providers. In this landscape, preventable blindness is not just a medical issue; it is a storm that many families weather silently.
During our mission, our team had the privilege of serving approximately 800 patients, working hand-in-hand with the incredible volunteers from the local Lions Club. Together, we set up clinics to provide free eye exams, bridging the gap for those who otherwise might never see an ophthalmologist.
The days were long, but the moments of connection made every second worth it. I will never forget the smile of a young girl, uncorrected and highly myopic, who put on glasses and saw the individual leaves on a tree for the very first time. There was also the quiet relief of an adult patient diagnosed with glaucoma just in time to prevent permanent vision loss. These are the victories that remind us why we do this work.
However, immediate care is only half the battle. To understand the landscape better and push for sustainable change, I initiated three pilot studies during this trip. We conducted a survey to identify specific barriers to care and another to assess visual needs that can be corrected by glasses. Additionally, thanks to a grant we received, we launched an early screening and detection program for diabetes and glaucoma utilizing a portable fundus camera.
I am deeply thankful to the organizers, the volunteers, and the people of Nicoya for this opportunity. Kudos to the tenacity of humanity—to the willingness to brave both the winter storms of home and the societal norms that build barriers between people and healthcare. The spirit to help, to heal, and to see clearly always lives on.
