Dr. Sophia Capo and her team at A B See Optometry and Vision Therapy provided essential eye care to 1,046 patients in rural Cambodia. From prescription glasses to cataract surgery referrals, their efforts are making a lasting impact.
Providing Care Where It’s Needed
The team transformed local schools into makeshift clinics, offering vision screenings and distributing over 1,000 prescription glasses and sunglasses. Many patients had never had an eye exam before, and simple prescription lenses made an immediate difference in their daily lives.
Beyond vision correction, the team identified many cases of cataracts—some severe enough to require surgery. To ensure long-term impact, they worked with local providers to fund cataract surgeries and referred urgent cases to specialists in Thailand.
In addition to eye care, the team brought books, school supplies, and rice for the community, reinforcing their commitment to supporting overall well-being.
H2: Lessons from the Trip
For Dr. Capo and her team, the trip was a reminder of how much of a difference accessible eye care can make. Many of the conditions they encountered—particularly in children—could have been addressed earlier if routine exams and corrective lenses were available. Simple issues like refractive errors had gone undiagnosed for years, impacting education and quality of life.
One of the biggest takeaways was the importance of sustainable solutions. While the team provided immediate relief with glasses and referrals, they also invested in long-term care by purchasing prescription glasses from local opticians and funding surgeries through Cambodian providers. These efforts help strengthen the local eye care infrastructure so that people can continue receiving care even after the team returns home.
Bringing the Message Home
Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Capo emphasized how fortunate we are to have easy access to eye care. In British Columbia, routine exams, prescription glasses, and medical eye care are widely available—yet many people delay their visits. Seeing firsthand how vision problems can go untreated for years reinforced the importance of regular check-ups and early intervention.
A B See Optometry and Vision Therapy plans to continue supporting international outreach efforts and hopes to return to Cambodia in the future. In the meantime, Dr. Capo encourages patients to prioritize their own eye health, take advantage of the high-quality care available locally, and consider supporting global eye care initiatives that bring vision services to underserved communities.
Your vision matters—schedule your next eye exam with A B See Optometry and Vision Therapy today!