A recent fundraising event in Healdsburg, California, has demonstrated the power of local community action in addressing global health challenges. Dr. Gary Barth, an ophthalmologist based in Santa Rosa, celebrated 25 years of volunteer service fighting curable blindness in Southeast Asia with a gathering that raised over $50,000 for his nonprofit, BBH Eye Foundation (BBH). The event, held on November 14, 2024, at Craftwork Healdsburg, brought together 80 guests who contributed to the foundation's mission of providing comprehensive eye care services to underserved regions.
Notably, the fundraiser secured three transformative $5,000 gifts, each dedicated to funding a Primary Eye Care Center (PECC) in Nepal. These centers are crucial for building sustainable eye care infrastructure in remote areas, offering free services including vision exams, glasses, and access to cataract surgery. BBH Eye Foundation's impact extends far beyond the immediate medical interventions. Since its founding in 2019, the organization has enabled more than 200,000 free cataract surgeries across Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal. Dr. Barth emphasizes that restoring one person's vision has far-reaching effects, often transforming entire families by restoring independence, productivity, and dignity to patients.
The foundation's approach is rooted in a trust-based philanthropy model, where PECCs are fully donated to the municipalities in which they are established. This strategy ensures long-term sustainability and community empowerment. BBH aims to create five new PECCs by 2025, with each center costing $5,000 to establish. The Healdsburg event's success highlights the significant impact that small communities can have on global health issues. Donations will support not only the creation of PECCs and provision of cataract surgeries but also the purchase of essential medical equipment and the development of electronic medical records (EMR) databases for rural eye care providers in Southeast Asia.
Dr. Barth's commitment to fighting curable blindness is documented in his Cataract Chronicles, a series of reflections on his work introducing modern eye care to underserved regions. His efforts have earned him recognition, including a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition. The success of the Healdsburg fundraiser demonstrates how local action can lead to global change. As BBH Eye Foundation continues its mission, every contribution helps bridge the gap between underserved communities and life-changing eye care. The organization's work not only restores sight but also provides hope and opportunities for individuals and communities across Southeast Asia.
With the continued support of communities like Healdsburg, BBH Eye Foundation is poised to expand its reach and impact, ensuring that more families in Southeast Asia can access vital eye care services. The foundation's work serves as a powerful example of how targeted medical interventions can have profound and lasting effects on individuals, families, and entire communities.
