“Operation Eyesight”- took place on Saturday, February 5 and Saturday, March 5, teams 20-25 Minnesota Eye Consultants employees – surgeons and clinic professionals — who contribute their time and skills to perform cataract surgeries at no cost for patients without insurance coverage.
“We are seeing a rapidly growing number of patients with special vision needs and dire financial circumstances who just aren’t being served in today’s economy,” said Dr. Elizabeth A. Davis, board-certified ophthalmologist, partner and medical director of Minnesota Eye Consultants’ Surgery Center, who helped launch this volunteer program nine years ago.
“They are patients from the Twin Cities, greater Minnesota and Wisconsin who are in need of cataract surgery, but who are facing dire financial burdens – unemployment, bankruptcy or lack of insurance or disability benefits,” she said. “Without insurance or Medicaid or other support, cataract surgery is, simply, not an option.”
Volunteers arrive as early as 6:00 a.m. to greet the patients and their families. For most patients, there are two surgeries and two post-surgical visits involved. Beyond the volunteer efforts of the surgeons and medical/professional teams at Minnesota Eye Consultants, all supplies, equipment and medications are donated to Operation Eyesight patients.
“It has truly been rewarding to serve these folks by engaging our entire team — surgeons, physicians, clinic professionals and even their families – in this volunteer effort,” said Dr. Davis. “Our goal now is to inspire other practices, medical providers and volunteers to help serve the growing needs for these patients.”
She added, “We all benefit in this effort by ensuring that these patients receive the medical attention they deserve, especially in light of the financial difficulties or special challenges they face every day,” said Dr. Davis. “It’s our way of giving back to the community and supporting people who can benefit from the care and attention of others.”
Minnesota Eye Consultants, the ophthalmology practice of Drs. Richard L. Lindstrom, Thomas W. Samuelson, David R. Hardten, Elizabeth A. Davis, William J. Lipham, Patrick J. Riedel, Sherman W. Reeves, and Jill S. Melicher is a recognized leader in corneal, cataract, glaucoma, refractive and oculoplastic surgery. Visit www.mneye.com to learn more.
