06/19/2026
🌟 Introducing our new series: Stories of Hope, Volume I 🌟
For many, the 5 basic senses: Touch, Smell, Hearing, Taste, and Sight, are second nature. However, for many, one or all of these senses are impaired, and for those individuals, many do not realize it or have never had the opportunity for treatment. At Servants for Sight, thanks to the generous donations from our donors, community, and funding from grants, we can give individuals with issues with their sight a new chance at seeing the world. With all this in mind, meet Mr. Phillip Gaines, an individual who has gone through our program and wants to share his story of gratitude and hope.
All his life, Mr. Gaines struggled to maintain a job and relationships because of his vision problems. He told me that he couldn't maintain simple fast-food jobs because he was unable to read the POS screens that were right in front of him. When working in the kitchen, he was unable to read modifications on orders, and when taking orders, he struggled to keep up because the buttons were blurry and looked the same. These persistent issues led to a perpetual sense of job insecurity, which led him down a path of addiction and various other issues that came with it. During these times, he felt his eyesight get worse, which brought danger and fear of interactions. He told me that he could barely tell who or what was in front of him at times, and if it was trouble or not. He could not tell the difference between his friends until they were right up in his face. He said he felt ashamed in front of those around him, because they could recognize him, but he could not recognize them.
Mr. Gaines found himself unemployed, homeless, uninsured, alone, afraid, and unable to get help. He said all of that changed when he got in contact with all of us at Servants for Sight. Almost 8 months ago, he received basic care many of us take for granted, a simple eye exam. On that day, he received his first ever pair of glasses. Last week, we had the opportunity to speak with him about his experience since that day, and a complete 180 is an understatement. The first comment he shared, and we were able to rejoice with him, was the fact that he is now clean, “a proud EX-addict.” He shared that the work our team here at Servants for Sight does allows him to have a second chance at life. Mr. Gaines has now been able to maintain a job consistently and, because of this, apply for social security benefits. The one thing that he was especially grateful about what being able to always keep a smile on his face. He no longer felt alone or in danger. He could tell who his friends were and if a dangerous situation lay ahead. He was able to learn how to ride a bike and see the road in front of him, without getting in an accident or sustaining any injuries. He ended by giving many of us a hug and saying, “Our team was full of angels without wings.” Many of the joys that Mr. Gaines had waited many years to experience are those that many of us had a chance of experiencing as children. Although Mr. Gaines said life wasn’t necessarily perfect, he did say he at least now felt seen.
This is one of the many stories from individuals that your contributions and support have enabled them to share so far. We hope to continue this important work and share these inspiring stories with you all. Our mission from our founding and still to this day remains true: to follow the model of Jesus by bringing hope and healing to our communities through preventative and restorative eye care.
