February 2026

I believe that this trip reminded me why I love what I do and why I chose this field in the first place. I sometimes take for granted being able to help people see every day, seeing it as part of my regular work routine.  Being there, it reminded me how every vision check mattered and how important it is.  Seeing people’s reactions to being able to see better, whether with glasses or surgery, is something I will forever cherish.

Mayra Rosas Avalos, COA

Sometimes people think ophthalmology is just about glasses and contact lens exams, but we do so much more. Visiting places like Honduras, where many people do not even have access to simple things like glasses or contacts, reminds me just how important our work really is. Providing people with the gift of sight through a surgery that we do routinely here, is just amazing.

Being able to serve alongside such an amazing team is also incredibly meaningful to me. Dr. Horne and Dr. Daluvoy are not only two of the best surgeons I have ever known, but also two of the best human beings. I am honored to support them as they provide the gift of sight to the people of Roatan.

The technician teams are just as inspiring. Watching them adapt and excel in an environment so different from what they are used to is truly remarkable.

So what does this opportunity mean to me? Simply put, it means the world to me.

Valerie Honeycutt, COT