Initial Appointment

Most of our patients first come in for a routine eye evaluation. Whether it’s for cataracts, glaucoma, a retinal issue, or another concern, they meet with a doctor at Mann Eye Institute to discuss their vision needs. Often, during this visit, it becomes clear that surgery is necessary to restore or protect their eyesight. But sometimes, the more heartbreaking discovery is not just the diagnosis – it’s the patient’s inability to afford the care they need.

Identify Financial Struggles

During appointments at Mann Eye Institute, our doctors and surgical counselors often uncover more than just a diagnosis – they learn about the financial struggles many patients are quietly carrying. For some, the cost of necessary surgery is simply out of reach, even if they’re insured. When a patient shares that they can’t afford the care they need, that’s when the See Life Better Foundation steps in to help.

The Common Occurrence

While every patient’s situation is unique, we noticed two common themes among those seeing help.

The first involves patients who are retired and living on a fixed income. Many are on high-deductible insurance plans and simply don’t have enough saved to cover their deductible, elven if the rest of their care if covered by insurance. In these cases, we step in to help cover the deductible, allowing the patient to receive the surgery they need through their insurance provider.

The second story we hear often is from patients with dense cataracts who have been forced out of the workforce due to their vision loss. These individuals want to work, want to save, want to care for themselves – but they can’t do that until they can see. It creates a difficult cycle in that they can’t afford surgery without working and they can’t work until they’ve had surgery. When we identify these cases, we step in to cover the surgical costs needed to help them return to the workforce, confident and seeing.

Application

Once a financial need is identified, the surgical counselor begins the next step: completing a See Life Better Foundation application on the patient’s behalf. The application includes important details such as the diagnosis, insurance status, financial background, estimated surgery date, and a breakdown of the costs involved. It also shares the patient’s story – because behind every request is a person with real hopes, challenges, and a desire to see clearly again.

Approval

If the application is approved, the patient is notified and surgery is scheduled. They receive the procedure they need, followed by post-operative care with our doctors – care that is crucial for a successful recovery and long-term health. From start to finish, they are supported not just medically but emotionally. Many tell us they feel see for the first time in a long time – not just by sight, but by heart.

Why it Matters

The See Life Better Foundation was built on the belief that no one should be denied the chance to see clearly because of finances. Our process exists to remove barriers to care, to give people back their independence, and to restore not just vision, but dignity, confidence and joy.

But we cannot do what we do without you. In order to help those in need, we rely solely on the support of generous donors and compassionate community members. Every dollar given, every effort made, brings someone one step closer to the clear sight they deserve.

Behind every application is a person. Behind every surgery is a story of hope.

If you’re moved by this mission and want to be a part of it, whether by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word – we welcome you with open arms.

Together, we don’t just restore sight. We

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