This month, our local SEE Vision Care (SVC) team joined dozens of local organizations at the Santa Barbara Senior Expo, held at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. The event brought together community partners dedicated to supporting the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults. For SEE, it was another meaningful opportunity to share our mission of restoring sight and expanding access to essential eyecare.
For more than 30 years, the Santa Barbara Senior Expo has stood as a cherished gathering for older adults and caregivers, a celebration of connection, health, and care within our community. Each year, SEE International is proud to take part in the event by offering free vision screenings and resources that help local seniors access the care they need.
Screening Local Seniors
And this year, the SVC team was busier than ever.
“We saw a total of 78 patients, we were so busy!” said Anisha Verdialez, SEE International’s Director of Local and Domestic Programs.
“Each year at the Senior Expo, we’re reminded how powerful community connection can be. Providing vision screenings and seeing so many seniors reach out afterward for appointments shows just how important accessible eyecare truly is. We are grateful to be part of such a meaningful day in Santa Barbara.”
Reconnecting with Old Friends
One particularly heartwarming story from the event includes a conversation we had with attendee David Harkness, a longtime driver for the Santa Barbara Airbus. David recalled how, years ago, he played a small but vital role in SEE’s mission, helping transport the equipment needed to make sight-restoring surgeries possible for our international partnering hospitals.
“Back in the day, many, many years ago, when I was driving to LAX regularly, we used to get these big trunks delivered to our office. They were heavy, maybe 75 or 80 pounds,” David shared.
“We’d load them up and take them down to the airport. Usually at Terminal 4, I’d meet a really nice gentleman from SEE International and hand them off. He’d get them on a flight to wherever they were headed next.”
These memories reminded David of how small acts of service can contribute to something much greater.
“I have such fond memories of working with SEE International and being even a small part of the mission. It was an honor,” he said. “Vision is so vital for all of us. Even if you don’t need it for your career, it’s essential for living a full life. When an organization like SEE helps people who might not otherwise have access to better vision, that’s such a precious gift.”
David’s kind words highlight what makes SEE’s work so special. Our impact is about fostering connection, gratitude, and hope right here in our own community, and all around the world.
We’re thankful to everyone who stopped by, shared their stories, and supported our mission at this year’s Senior Expo!
