The Power of Partnership
SEE International believes in the transformative power of collaboration. By joining forces with other organizations, we can significantly increase our reach and build sustainable eye care systems in underserved areas.
This June, we partnered with Alcon, a global leader in eyecare devices, and Hospital de la Familia in Nuevo Progresso, Guatemala, to offer vital eyecare services and cataract surgeries to patients in need. This is just one program highlighting our long-standing partnership with Alcon, who has generously donated surgical supplies for over 30 years through Alcon Cares, one of Alcon’s charitable foundations. Alcon Cares’ enduring support empowers our partner clinics around the world to perform countless sight-restoring procedures.
To experience firsthand the incredible impact of our collaborative efforts, SEE’s Chief Development Officer, Rachel Tennant, and Vice President of Programs, Arianna Castellanos, traveled to our clinic partners at Hospital de la Familia this summer. Upon their return, the two SEE staff members had gained a new appreciation, admiration, and love for our vital sight-restoring work.
Building Connections, Witnessing Hope
During Rachel and Arianna’s trip, they took daily walks at 6:00am to engage with the local community made up of early risers. They forged connections among locals and patients alike, wholly inspired by the resilient individuals who traveled far and wide for the care they needed, as well as by the volunteer medical team who worked tirelessly to treat them:
“This program fostered a profound connection with everyone involved,” Rachel shared. “The immense gratitude of patients, doctors, staff, and the entire community served as a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of our work.”
Arianna echoed this sentiment, describing an atmosphere filled with strength and appreciation.
“I witnessed compassion, trust, and a deep desire for improved vision,” she said. “This humbling experience shifted my perspective, reminding me that humanity is what truly matters.”
Rosalinda’s Story: A Brighter Future
One of the many patients helped was Rosalinda, a woman in her 50s who is deaf and blind in one eye. A severe cataract in her remaining eye significantly impacted her daily life.
Fortunately, Rosalinda’s family discovered the eye clinic at Hospital de la Familia. The medical team successfully removed her cataract with donated supplies. Arianna continues to receive updates about Rosalinda’s vision, which is steadily improving.
Rosalinda’s story exemplifies the importance of partnerships and SEE’s unwavering commitment to ending preventable blindness globally. We are incredibly grateful to Alcon Cares for their ongoing support, as their contributions continue to empower local ophthalmologists to give the gift of sight.
