Each year since 2006, we have coordinated a special day in December when patients who need eye surgery, don’t have insurance, and live in Southwest Virginia can receive eye surgery for free.

We were grateful we could safely provide the surgeries this year, taking necessary precautions with the Covid-19 pandemic. Chad D. Albright, M.D., performed cataract surgery for three individuals at the Roanoke Valley Center for Sight in Salem.

Well Worth the Wait

Most patients learn about the Gift of Sight Day from their optometrist or ophthalmologist. Angela Damiano was referred by her optometrist. “I went to the eye doctor in January, and he told me about the Gift of Sight Day. I waited 11 months to have the surgery, but it was worth the wait,” said Angela.

Patients arrived early in the morning at the Roanoke Valley Center for Sight to be prepped for surgery. Cataract surgery is rather quick, and the benefits are noticeable immediately after the surgery.

“I can tell a big difference,” said Angela. “My vision in that eye was 20/80, and it felt like I had a major film over my eye all of the time. I had glasses that were supposed to help, but they could only do so much. I can see much better now that the cataract has been removed.”

Bringing Joy this Holiday Season

“Everything went well,” said Alma, daughter of Ruthlyn who received the surgery. “Thank you to the nurses and Dr. Albright for doing such a great job with my mother’s surgery.”

All of the staff and medical professionals volunteered their time to help make the Gift of Sight Day possible. They are happy to participate because they know that without this special opportunity, many of these patients would have struggled with vision loss due to their cataracts.

“Many of us have gone through a lot of challenges this year, so to be able to do something that brings joy to patients and give them the gift of sight, it’s just wonderful to be able to be a part of that,” said Phil Powell, director of sales and marketing.