California Student Supports Eye Care for 65 Akumal Residents

Akumal, Quintana Roo — A California high school student turned a series of dog washes into a three-day eye clinic for children and families in Akumal, uncovering a much greater need for vision care than organizers expected.

Nate Allison, a student at Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach, organized and funded the clinic held Aug. 5 through 7 at the Hekab Be Learning & Activity Center.

Dr. Christian Castillo examined 65 children and community members. Approximately 40 of them were found to need glasses, while two participants showed signs of potentially preventable eye disease that may require further attention.

The results surprised organizers and demonstrated why routine eye examinations are important, particularly in communities where affordable vision care can be difficult to access.

For children, an undiagnosed vision problem can make it harder to read, follow lessons and participate fully in school. A child who appears distracted or struggles academically may simply be unable to see the board or words on a page clearly.

The project was personal for Allison, who has worn glasses since second grade and understands how much corrective lenses can change a child’s experience at school.

“I know how much of a difference being able to see clearly can make, especially for a child in school,” he said. “Being able to help provide that opportunity to children and families in Akumal made this project especially meaningful to me.”

To finance the clinic, Allison organized dog-washing fundraisers in Newport Beach, collected donations from supporters and contributed some of his own money.

Those efforts eventually traveled far beyond California. The money covered a clinic that not only identified who needed corrective lenses but also caught two potentially serious conditions early enough for the patients to seek additional care.

Hekab Be representatives said they had expected some participants to need glasses, but not nearly two-thirds of everyone examined.

The center thanked Allison, Dr. Castillo, the clinic volunteers and everyone who supported the fundraising effort.

Hekab Be is a community library and educational center serving children and families in Akumal through literacy programs, after-school activities and other community services.