Seeing Is Believing: Dr. Marina Roma March Shares the Vision of the Third World Eye Care Society
Introduced by Elena, Dr. Marina Roma March and her husband, Derek, inspired the club with the remarkable story of the Third World Eye Care Society of Canada, a 100% volunteer-run charity they founded in 1995.
What began as a promise to Dr. Marina's beloved grandmother has grown into an extraordinary mission that has restored the gift of sight to more than 115,000 people in 17 developing countries. After being accepted into optometry school, Marina promised her grandmother that she would one day return to her hometown in the Philippines to provide eye exams and glasses to people who had never had access to vision care. Although her grandmother passed away before Marina graduated, that promise became the foundation of a lifelong commitment to helping others.
With no savings, no car, and little more than determination, Marina and Derek launched the charity by asking communities to donate used eyeglasses. Today, volunteers gather every Monday evening at the Society's warehouse, where thousands of donated glasses are cleaned, measured, sorted, and catalogued. More than 250,000 pairs have been processed over the years, with the best 10,000 carefully selected for each overseas mission.
Dr. Marina gave members a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how their mobile eye clinics operate. Patients move through a series of stations—including registration, vision testing, prescription measurements, eye examinations by volunteer optometrists, and finally the dispensary—where each person is individually fitted with prescription glasses. Portable versions of the same sophisticated equipment found in Canadian optometrists' offices allow the team to provide comprehensive eye care in remote communities.
The impact is profound. For many patients, receiving their first pair of glasses means being able to read, attend school, work, support their families, and break the cycle of poverty. The emotional moment when someone sees clearly for the very first time is what keeps volunteers returning year after year.
Rotary has played an important role throughout the Society's journey by supporting fundraising efforts, providing equipment, connecting the team with communities around the world, and partnering on service projects. Dr. Marina expressed her gratitude to Rotary for embracing the shared ideal of "Service Above Self" and announced that the Society's next mission to the Philippines will include collaboration with the Rotary Club of Monterey.
During the question period, members learned about the enormous logistical effort behind each mission—from transporting up to 40 boxes of eyeglasses as checked baggage to working closely with local hospitals to ensure patients requiring cataract surgery or other advanced treatment receive ongoing care.
Dr. Marina concluded by reflecting that, while the organization has overcome countless challenges over the past 31 years, what remains strongest are the memories of lives transformed, dedicated volunteers, and the simple joy of helping someone see the world clearly for the very first time. Her presentation was a powerful reminder that one promise, combined with compassion and perseverance, can change tens of thousands of lives.
To learn more visit their web site. TWECS – Eye care and glasses to the worlds poor – 100% Volunteer Registered Canadian Charity
