By Sarah Deluhery
Looking back as I have been working in retina ophthalmology the past few years as a Ophthalmic Technician, I remember quickly realizing in my first couple months on the job, just how many people have to carry the daily cross of having poor vision. In retina ophthalmology, low vision for patients is generally related to a variety of ocular diseases or ocular trauma. It can be difficult to care for post-op patients from retinal surgeries and witness the struggles patients have with their visual needs because it requires seeing your patients suffer.
It would be amazing if everyone in this world could have healthy, clear 20/20 vision. However, because this is not the case, the doctors and technicians jobs are to improve and medically treat and care for patients to reach their best vision possible. Fortunately with advancing medical treatments and surgery in the ophthalmology field, there are many treatment options available for patients.
Evidently, ocular vision is different from “faithful vision,” but I believe they can relate to one another. Helping others along with their faith journey takes practice and patience, but we all want to see each other grow in our relationship with God and the Catholic Church.
One of the greatest ways we can assist and help others is by having the mindset of seeing others through the eyes of Christ. This can be done in all aspects of our everyday lives— with family members, close friends, colleagues, peers, or even complete strangers. Engaging with other people who come from different backgrounds is part of life, and it makes life much more interesting.
Working in the healthcare and medical field that is very much people-based, I enjoy talking and getting to know the patients. Especially during this past year of the pandemic; there were patients who have not spoken to people in person in weeks to months. Many times we can learn from others, if we take the time to listen. Keeping in mind that everyone was raised and brought up differently, not everyone is going to see eye-to-eye on things. Showing others who you are and holding onto your morals and values are important. Being kind, genuine, honest and down to earth are characteristics that will not be left unnoticed. If anything, these faithful characteristics will make you stand out.
Again, not everyone in this world is going to agree or have the same beliefs as you, and that’s okay. The way we handle ourselves, and our actions towards others makes the bigger difference in showing others the example of how we can live out a faithful lifestyle. The best thing we as Catholics can do is to show love and kindness towards others; and strive to see others through the eyes of Christ. What comes to mind here is a quote from one of my favorite saints:
Do small things with great love.
Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Small acts of love and kindness to others may feel little, but the impact it leaves is meaningful. Our hearts do not have a maximum capacity for love; there’s always room to grow. This is a principle I believe both my parents instilled in my siblings and I from a very young age— openness for growth and love. Having that mindset of loving, being caring towards others, and being open-minded can open your eyes and heart to a new or different perspective. Our goal is to bring the essence of God to others with love.
I recently was talking to my mom, and in our conversation she said, “God only asks us to be the best version of ourselves we can be.” That statement is a good reminder to take to heart! I am grateful for the importance of the Catholic faith in my family life and the insights my career, experiences, and people have taught me so far. There is always room to strive for continual growth with your “faithful vision” through the journey of your life and your relationship with Jesus.
Born Dignified 