Impact at a Glance (2025)

• 1,500+ patients screened across Sonora

• 200+ cataract and pterygium surgeries performed in collaboration with partners

• ~90% of cataract surgeries were performed using MSICS

• 12 monthly clinics held in Puerto Peñasco

• Bimonthly community clinics conducted in Phoenix, Arizona 

• Children and adults were provided with prescription eyeglasses

• 32 students and trainees participated in supervised clinical education

• Diagnostic capacity upgraded in Puerto Peñasco

Surgeries were performed in collaboration with partners, with the majority conducted by Global Eyecare Academy–affiliated surgeons. Global Eyecare Academy provided funding, equipment, and logistical support for surgical care.

Vision Screening & Community Clinics

Monthly Clinics — Puerto Peñasco (2025)

Global Eyecare Academy participated in monthly clinics throughout 2025 in Puerto Peñasco, serving approximately 15 patients per clinic. These clinics emphasized continuity of care and education and focused on follow-up evaluation, monitoring of chronic eye conditions, clinical teaching, and identification of patients requiring glasses, advanced care, or surgery.

Phoenix, Arizona — Bimonthly Community Clinics

In addition to programs in Sonora, Global Eyecare Academy conducted bimonthly community clinics in Phoenix, Arizona in partnership with the Neighborhood Christian Clinic.

• These clinics focused on expanding access to eyecare services within the local community and provided opportunities for:

• Vision screening and evaluation

• Identification of patients requiring glasses or referral for further care

• Continued clinical education and supervised patient interaction

These recurring clinics complemented GEA’s international programs by reinforcing continuity of care and service delivery within the United States.

March 2025 Jornada — Sonora

In March 2025, Global Eyecare Academy participated in a large-scale jornada in collaboration with VOSH Arizona, VOSH Sonora, the Department of Wellbeing of Sonora, and the Rotary Club Pitic of Hermosillo.

• 1,500+ patients screened across all ages

• Children and adults received prescription eyeglasses

• Patients evaluated for refractive error, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and surgical need

July 2025 Cataract Screening — Puerto Peñasco & Sonoyta

In July 2025, Global Eyecare Academy conducted a targeted cataract screening in Puerto Peñasco for patients from Puerto Peñasco and Sonoyta, working with Palabras de Esperanza and Fundación I-WEMTA.

• ~40 patients screened for cataract surgery

• Patients later underwent surgery in Puerto Peñasco in cooperation with Swann Laser Vision & Spa

Surgical Care & Outcomes

In 2025, Global Eyecare Academy supported and directly participated in over 200 cataract and pterygium surgeries, performed in collaboration with local surgeons and partner organizations.

Surgical Highlights

• Hermosillo (November 2025):

40 cataract and pterygium surgeries, including patients from Hermosillo and Navojoa identified through a concurrent jornada

• Puerto Peñasco (August & October 2025):

40 cataract surgeries, many identified through earlier screenings

• Agua Prieta mission:

15 cataract surgeries

• La Gaviota collaboration:

140 surgeries total, including approximately 120 cataracts and 20 pterygium surgeries

Surgical Approach

Each patient was assessed for both phacoemulsification and manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS), and the surgical technique was selected based on clinical factors and anticipated outcomes. Over 90% of cataract procedures were ultimately performed using MSICS, illustrating the advanced density and complexity of cataracts treated and reinforcing the importance of maintaining expertise in high-quality, non-phaco techniques in resource-limited settings.

Education & Training Impact

In 2025, Global Eyecare Academy supported 32 students and trainees through supervised, hands-on clinical education.

• 20 optometry students (Midwestern University) 

• 2 ophthalmology residents (University of Arizona)

• 10 medical students (Midwestern University and Creighton University)

Students participated in screening, pre- and post-operative care, operating room observation, and longitudinal follow-up through recurring clinics and surgical missions.

Capacity Building & Infrastructure

As part of its commitment to sustainable care, Global Eyecare Academy upgraded diagnostic capacity in Puerto Peñasco in 2025 by helping provide:

• Portable ultrasound A-scan and B-scan capability

• Keratometry for improved surgical planning

These upgrades support safer surgery, improved follow-up care, and ongoing education for local clinicians and trainees.