There for Utah

While the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted the Moran Eye Center Global Outreach team’s international travel for 2020, physicians and volunteers continued their local outreach work, providing much-needed eye care to nearly 200 patients in addition to triaging dozens more in line to receive treatment.

Manuela Lechuga was one of those patients. A cloudy haze caused by a cataract was stealing her vision, preventing her from driving or cooking safely. Those difficulties presented formidable barriers to the 55-year-old. But she was thinking mainly of her daughter when she lamented her failing eyesight.

Manuela Lechuga following her 2020 Operation Sight Day cataract surgery,.

Lechuga serves as the primary caregiver for the 32-year-old woman, who has cerebral palsy and requires a physically intense care level.

But Lechuga couldn’t afford the out-of-pocket costs associated with cataract surgery. Without insurance, money was simply too tight.

Thanks to Moran’s Operation Sight Day in October 2020, she was able to undergo donor-funded surgery to restore her vision and her ability to care for her daughter.

Manuela Lechuga with her daughter.

Similar scenarios played out statewide, as volunteer physicians, staff, nurses, and technicians served patients from local free clinics to the Navajo Nation.

We continue to assist members of our local community during the pandemic safely. We have precautions, protocols, and testing in place for ongoing outreach. The need for eyesight that allows people to keep their jobs, care for family members, and participate in the community is still there. We will be, too.

—Jeff Pettey, MD, MBA, outreach division co-medical director

Operation Sight Day October 2020

Consuelo Mejia’s granddaughter escorted her to Operation Sight Day. The 87-year-old mother of nine and beloved grandmother was anxious to get back to her role in the family, knitting and cooking. After her sight was restored, she said she felt like she had her “power” again.

Teddy Bear Clinic August 2020

The Moran outreach team pre-screened 420 children, conducted 20 exams, and made eyeglasses for eight children during the Teddy Bear Clinic. Utah Navajo Health System (UNHS) hosted the event in Blanding. Pediatric specialist Robert Hoffman, MD, asked questions during the drive-through Teddy Bear Clinic to determine whether children were experiencing vision issues. If so, he gave them a thorough eye exam in the clinic.

Pediatric specialist Robert Hoffman, MD, asked questions during the drive-through Teddy Bear Clinic to determine whether children were experiencing vision issues. If so, he gave them a thorough eye exam in the clinic.

Katherine Hu, MD, examines a child during the Teddy Bear Clinic.