In just five days in July, David Kageyama, OD, FAAO, co-owner of Elk Grove Optometry in Elk Grove, CA, worked with a team of eye care professionals to conduct close to 800 eye exams, provide 1,200 pairs of glasses (including 250 custom pairs) and complete hundreds of cataract surgeries. Talk about a busy week!
But these services weren’t provided in his practice. Instead, Dr. Kageyama, a PECAA Max and HEA Advantage member, joined several other supporters of the Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) Southeast Chapter who traveled to Tacaná, Guatemala, to bring the gift of clear vision to those in need.
“We started at 6 a.m. and worked late into the night, determined to help as many people as possible,” Dr. Kageyama recalls. “The nearest eye doctor is four hours away, and poverty severely limits access to care. The need for healthcare is great, but so many barriers exist in Guatemala.”
Dr. Kageyama saw first-hand how the VOSH Southeast team impacted Tacaná and the surrounding communities’ residents, most of whom had never had an eye exam before. One encounter remains etched in his memory – a four-year-old girl with severe nystagmus, unable to focus or make eye contact. With limited resources, he tried different lens strengths. “When I placed a +7 lens, her eyes focused, and she smiled – a moment that brought her father to tears. It was a powerful reminder of why I volunteer,” he reflects.
Dr. Kageyama’s commitment to service spans 16 years. In 2008, he began volunteering with Care Harbor LA, a non-profit providing free medical, dental and vision care to underserved populations. He spent weekends offering free eye exams alongside Southern California College of Optometry students. A suggestion from Care Harbor’s former director, Deborah Wright-DeMaderios, led him to his first international mission in Loreto, Mexico – an experience that ignited his passion for global service.
“The mission was eye-opening and filled me with gratitude. I knew our work had a profound impact on those we helped,” Dr. Kageyama reflects. Since then, he has participated in four mission trips, one of which he led, with plans for another in 2025.
“Volunteering as an optometrist is incredibly rewarding,” Dr. Kageyama says. “We can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who lack access to essential eye care. And many communities, like those in Guatemala, face significant barriers to healthcare. Our skills directly improve their quality of life, affecting their daily activities, education and employment opportunities.”
Dr. Kageyama encourages other optometrists to volunteer, not only for the opportunity to give back but also for the personal growth and inspiration that comes from witnessing the resilience and gratitude of those they serve.
For those interested in volunteering, Dr. Kageyama suggests starting with organizations like The Lions Club, State Associations, Volunteer Optometric Services To Humanity International, VSP Vision™ Eyes of Hope® or local societies where you can find ways to provide vision care to those in need. “Align with a cause that resonates with you, then commit to making a difference.”