We caught up with Deborah Smith, pictured here with young friend Alejandro. We asked Deborah to recount her experiences and impressions as a longtime volunteer from her first trip to Guatemala with Hope Alliance.

How did you hear about Hope Alliance’s expeditions to Guatemala? 

In 2015, I was sitting in St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on a Sunday morning when Father Charles announced that Hope Alliance was looking for volunteers to join an expedition to Guatemala to provide vision care and prescription eyeglasses.

What sticks out in your memory about the people you worked with and the patients

you met? 

What a diverse group of volunteers! Everyone had a good attitude and came because they wanted to help. The patients were so grateful - lots and lots of smiles and hugs. Some had never worn glasses and were amazed at what they could see. Also, they were curious about “the Americans” - not too many blondes in Guatemala.

The Park City Sunrise Rotary Club is exceptionally supportive of Hope Alliance and we are so very grateful. With with their powerful hands-on support and impactful financial contributions, they are bringing vision to life around the world! Here they are in February, sorting eyeglasses and cleaning sunglasses. They are always a fun group and make it look so easy!  

Our volunteers change lives

and empower our mission!

Speak up if your vision changes!

Is your vision blurry? Do you squint a lot? Ever have trouble seeing things at work or home? Have you noticed your children squinting or sitting too close to a screen? Consider a visit to an eye doctor if your eyes are bothering you or if you notice any changes to your children's behavior. Hope Alliance offers FREE vision exams at our clinic in Park City.

Eat right to protect your sight!

Keep your eyes healthy by eating a well-balanced diet. Load up on different types of fruits and veggies, especially leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens. Fish like salmon, tuna, and halibut have been shown to help your eyes, too.

"I am so proud of us and what Hope Alliance does. Everyone we reached was so happy and so appreciative of their new glasses. I didn't count but I am sure that I was hugged and kissed by well over 600 of the 700+ people we served."

-Judy Horwitz reflecting on our 2024 Guatemala trip

Highlights from our vision expedition to Guatemala last month. Our dedicated volunteers on the ground screened 712 patients in just 4 days!

We're Heading Back to Uganda

Our next expedition to Uganda is set for July 31st through August 12th! We are looking forward to seeing our friends and partners in vision care at the Bwindi Community Hospital again! 

This expedition is currently full, but we'd love to have you join us on this or another vision expedition! Please let us know if you would like to be added to the waitlist or receive communications about other upcoming expeditions!

Woodstock-themed Night Vision event in 2019

Night Vision is Back on August 23, 2024

After a few years hiatus, Night Vision is back! Save the date for our next Night Vision event when Hope Alliance will celebrate 25 years serving communities in need! 

We had a groovy time at the last one, so be sure to mark your calendars for this one coming up on August 23rd at the Pendry.

Thank you to Pendry Park City, as the premiere corporate sponsor of Night Vision 2024.