August 2023 Missions Trip

Our 2023 August trip was such an unique experience as two eye surgeons and their families and friends joined together to provide eye care to Roatan, Honduras. Out of a team of 16 members, half were student volunteers ranging from the age of 9 to 13 years old, including myself. This trip truly proved that helping others is not limited to age or ability, as each person was able to make an impact on the island. Our team quickly found our footing in Vessels of Mercy, where we were able to do eye exams, perform 19 cataract surgeries and 10 pterygium surgeries. As glasses were dispensed and relationships were developed, we were able to watch the transformation of patients who had life changing surgeries. One man came even so far as La Ceiba on the mainland, as he walked into our clinic holding on to his friend and feeling his way around. The highlight of each trip is always watching the patients take off their surgical eye patch for the first time and seeing a glimpse of the clearness they will have once in full recovery. Specifically, when it was his time to read the eye chart the day after his surgery, our team congratulated, cheered, and laughed with him as he shared how he can now return to work and see his family members again. Lastly, he walked out of our clinic by himself, no longer needing a guide.

The team also visited the community of Punta Caliente on the east side of the island, which carries a lot of need. It was there where the younger members ran vision screenings in the community church. They then were able to send emergency patients to Vessels of Mercy where the doctors were ready to care for them. Also, it was important that we could reach some of the poorest residents where even transportation out of their town to our clinic was extremely difficult. After learning about the needs of a community that lives at the trash dump, our group partnered with a ministry that provides a meal and two weeks supply of food to the people living in that region. Our team specifically saw the needs of the children and decided to hand out donated clothes, pre-made goodie bags for the children including coloring books with the gospel message, stuffed animals, and everyone’s favorite: soccer balls! This trip was such a blessing as families and friends came together to share the special experience that Health In Sight has to offer. As our mission is advancing, we continue carrying on God’s work and appreciate all of the prayers and financial support in doing so.

-Ava Kang, daughter of Health In Sight co-founder Dr. Paul Kang