They say the eyes are the windows to the soul and we believe that everyone deserves a clear view.
At Lubbock Impact, our no-cost Eye Clinic exists because volunteer optometrists like Dr. Camacho give a few hours of their time to care for neighbors who don’t have insurance. For adults ages 19–64, that can mean an eye exam, relief from constant headaches or eye strain, and often a brand-new pair of glasses.
Eye care is something many of us take for granted- until we don’t have it.
For many of the patients seen here, it’s been years since their last exam. Some have been living with blurry vision for so long they’ve simply adjusted to it. Gretchen Trego, our Eye Clinic Coordinator, has had the privilege of watching what happens when that changes.
“Being able to show someone what it’s like to see clearly again, sometimes for the first time in years, is incredibly powerful,” she shares. “I’ve watched patients experience that moment when they realize how clearly they can see again. Just getting a proper prescription and knowing that we’re ordering them glasses can immediately change their daily life.”
Sometimes that moment looks like someone realizing they can read again, or drive again, or care for their family more easily. Some patients leave in tears, thanking God because they can finally see clearly.
In the immediate future, clear vision can mean fewer headaches and less strain, but long term, it can completely change the trajectory of someone’s life.
“Being able to see clearly again can allow people to return to work, get their driver’s license back, or handle everyday responsibilities that many of us take for granted,” Gretchen explains. “Something as simple as being able to read, complete schoolwork, or drive safely can open doors again.”
Through the clinic, our volunteer eye doctors have also been able to identify other medical or vision concerns that patients didn’t know they had, and connect them to referrals and ongoing care. For many, this clinic becomes their first consistent connection to eye care and a healthier future.
Helping lead the clinic has shifted Gretchen’s perspective as well. “It’s shown me how many people fall through the cracks when they don’t have insurance or resources. Something that seems routine to some, like a yearly eye exam, can be completely life-changing for someone else. It’s also incredibly inspiring to see doctors donate their time and skills purely out of generosity.”
That generosity and expertise is what makes this clinic possible.
We hope to see the Eye Clinic continue to grow- shortening the waitlist, welcoming more local doctors, and eventually holding clinics even more frequently so that more neighbors can be served. Our prayer is that patients not only receive help in the moment but also feel supported in caring for their vision and eye health for years to come.
Because seeing clearly shouldn’t be a privilege, it’s essential care. And thanks to volunteers like Dr. Camacho and a community that shows up for one another, more of our neighbors are experiencing what it feels like to see the world clearly again.