Dra. Taboada (Argentina)

I am Dr. Taboada, from Argentina. Taking part in cataract surgery campaigns in Africa—with the volume of patients, the scale of the need and the lack of local resources—has been one of the most moving experiences of my professional and personal life.

Being able to restore sight to people who had gone blind due to cataracts (a reversible form of blindness) is something that is very difficult to describe in words. Witnessing the moment when they open their eyes again and regain their independence and hope is deeply transformative.

I am grateful to the Fundación Elena Barraquer for its enormous commitment, organization, excellence and humanity. Being part of a team that works with such dedication and solidarity reaffirms, every day, the true meaning of our profession.

I returned with a full heart and with the certainty that restoring sight also means restoring dignity and a future. I have already taken part in four campaigns and I will continue doing so.

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Alberto Aguado

A few months ago I had the opportunity to take part in an expedition to Guinea-Bissau with the Fundación Elena Barraquer. I had never been part of an experience like this before, and I can truly say that it has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life.

Being able to carry out my work as an optician in such a different environment reaffirmed how important our profession is in caring for people’s vision.

During the expedition I worked with Dr. Taboada, from whom I learned a great deal and will surely continue learning. Witnessing her dedication and knowledge is truly inspiring.

Thank you to the entire Foundation team and to my colleagues who make expeditions like this possible.

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Ana Blasco

Four months ago I returned from one of the best experiences I have had in recent years.

I was inspired by a talk in which Dr. Barraquer explained her personal mission: to eliminate as many cataracts as possible in countries where the need is greatest.

I didn’t hesitate for a second. I told my friend Susana, who immediately joined me, and together we embarked on this adventure.

Thanks to Dr. Carlos, I was able to understand, see and almost touch what cataracts are: how they form, why they appear, where they develop and, above all, how they are treated.

The country—Guinea-Bissau—its people, the place where we stayed, the warm welcome, our angels Cristall and Rosa, orchestrating the entire expedition with such precision, and all my colleagues—now friends—made this an experience that I treasure in my heart and that I hope to repeat again this year without a doubt.

Finally, I would also like to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to be part of such a highly skilled medical group, who welcomed me despite having no previous experience or knowledge.