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GIVING NEW SIGHT:Oh, the places you’ll go

Inspired by those along the path less traveled.

BY BETH COLON, COT

My career in ophthalmology has been a lot like the Dr. Seuss book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” When I began in 1997, I never thought I would travel, meet such inspiring and interesting people, and have a fulfilling career along the way.

In my first year in ophthalmology, I met Dr. Lynn Yakubov, and we joined Eye Care International El Salvador. We traveled to El Salvador for a two-week medical mission that changed my entire life. The trip opened my eyes to ophthalmic issues in third world countries. To see the needs of the poor, feel the love of the volunteers and experience the gratitude of people who were nearly blind due to cataracts was overwhelming.

Nine missions later, I am still hooked. Now, my husband, Jose Colon, also travels with us to translate in the clinics.

I will never forget so many people I’ve met on these missions. I remember the lady who started to cry as we put glasses on her. At first I thought she cried because they didn’t fit properly. But she was a -9.00 prescription and she was overjoyed to see clearly for the first time. She went outside and looked down a long porch toward her family. When they realized that she could see them, they cried tears of happiness for her.

Some people travel five hours from their remote villages to find eye care. Many we help treat by performing cataract surgery or by giving them their first pair of glasses. Others, sadly, we cannot help.

Participation in these trips inspires me to pursue new skills and certification. I am lucky to be mentored by many incredible, passionate “teachers” cleverly disguised as ophthalmologists and ophthalmic professionals. They have challenged, inspired, and supported me as I learn.

Faruk Orge, MD, at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, and Sergul Erzurum, MD, at Eye Care Associates, Inc., are some of the finest teachers in our field. They encourage my growth and push me to attain new skills. Cleveland Ophthalmic Personnel Society supports my team’s mission work by helping to purchase a tonometer and collecting glasses. In addition, Denise Capretta and Audrey Gargus have made it possible for many technicians to participate in leadership roles and speak at local seminars and national events, like JCAHPO’s Annual Academy.

Beth Colon, COT (top right) on a mission trip with her husband, Jose. Together, they help patients in El Salvador and provide glasses.

During the last 20 years of participating in mission trips, many wonderful people have taught me humility, patience, gratitude, and, as Mother Teresa said, to “do small things with great love.” Those who I have met on the path less traveled forever changed me and have created an eternal imprint on my heart. OP