Mission Cataract started in California in 1991 and quickly spread nationwide.  And for the eighth year in a row, Eye Care Associates in Boardman has joined the cause.  Setting aside a day to donate free cataract surgery for people right here in the Valley who don't have medical insurance or the means to pay for the procedure that would normally cost thousands of dollars.

"The surgery itself is about 20 minutes, all the drops and the monitoring before hand and the whole process, they're here about an hour and a half, and then of course the pre-testing and evaluation in the office.", says Dr. Lyn Yakubov.

Doctor Yakubov and her team treated 14 patients today.  Like Patricia Rohrbaugh, who found out she had a cataract during a visit to Lens Crafters a few months ago.

"Older people on fixed incomes generally don't have the benefits to do this, and the doctor there explained to us that we could come here and get involved in this program.", says Patricia's son David Rohrbaugh.

For these patients, this is really the only way they could have their problems taken care of, and if the cataracts go untreated, it could lead to serious vision problems in the future.

"The cataracts can lead to blindness and some of these people are legally blind that we've been able to reach and help.", says Dr. Yakubov.

Now Patricia and 13 others are free of cataracts and any financial burden that might have come along with the surgery.  And it's been an eye opening experience for everyone involved.

"To use our gifts to help those that are truly in need, and make a difference right here.", says Dr. Yakubov.

"I feel fine but I'll tell you, I want to thank them so very, very much for all they did, yes I do, and they were all great, they were all great.", says Patricia Rohrbaugh.