Southern Eye Institute with Dr Cathy Schanzer

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Southern Eye Institute with Dr Cathy Schanzer Twice a year, thousands of people from South Africa, some of them walking for days will journey to the village of Serabu with the hopes of gaining the prec

Dr. Schanzer dreamed of being a medical missionary since her childhood days when she first heard a Marynoll priest describe his missionary adventures. Her dreams were first realized in 1988 when she and her husband, Tom traveled to Nigeria. Over the years, Cathy and Tom have also worked in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Sierra Leone. All of their efforts were carried out in existing programs that gratefully accepted Cathy’s surgical skills, Tom’s administrative support and their donated medical/surgical supplies. However, in 2006 this pattern of mission work changed. For the first time in their mission career, Cathy and Tom led the development of a permanent eye care center in a remote village in Sierra Leone named Serabu.

09/22/2026

"Time for a mission flashback! 📸✨

During the Summer 2022 mission trip to Serabu, Sierra Leone, we were joined by Dr. Eliza, a Global Fellow from Wills Eye Hospital.

In this video, Eliza reflects on her two weeks in Serabu—working alongside Dr. Cathy Schanzer in the operating room, completing nearly 150 surgeries, and experiencing the incredible warmth and hospitality of the local community.

Volunteers like Eliza play a vital role in our mission to bring quality eye care, sight-restoring surgeries, and hope to underserved communities.

Thank you to everyone who has supported our journey over the past 20+ years!"

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09/13/2026

https://schanzereyeinstitute.com/thank-you-from-serabu/

Thank You, From Serabu by bkwatson | Sep 10, 2026 | blog, Cathy's Updates, Schanzer Eye Institute | 0 comments Thank You, From Serabu The families your generosity put in school have something to say — in their own words and their own voices. Field update by Tom Lewis  |  Serabu, Sierra Leone Som...

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06/26/2026

https://mailchi.mp/b9e819146c3f/06262026

The 20-Year Anniversary celebration was held on Saturday, June 20. Numerous dignitaries from Sierra Leone made their way to join the festivities. Presentations about the history and accomplishments of Southern Eye Clinic were made by management team members. The keynote address was delivered by the....

https://mailchi.mp/76422d10ee21/062326?e=b93a3afe25
06/23/2026

https://mailchi.mp/76422d10ee21/062326?e=b93a3afe25

For two years, seven high school graduate women from Serabu had been abused and separated from their families after an unscrupulous person enticed them to the capital city of Freetown with the promise of a college education and jobs in the neighboring country of Ghana. Ultimately loosing their famil...

https://mailchi.mp/1275eb6e4a8d/tomupdate061926
06/19/2026

https://mailchi.mp/1275eb6e4a8d/tomupdate061926

Our 45th and last anniversary celebration occurred two years ago today, on the steps of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Serabu. It was a wonderful surprise celebration. Cathy died twelve days before our next anniversary.

https://mailchi.mp/cef931eb23f2/morejuneupdates
06/11/2026

https://mailchi.mp/cef931eb23f2/morejuneupdates

Tom recently spent a few productive days in the capital city of Freetown, meeting with key national leaders who work hand-in-hand with the Southern Eye Clinic to advance vision care across Sierra Leone.

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5350 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, TN
38119

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