Philanthropy at Center for Sight | Giving Back to the Community

Mission Cataract

Mission Cataract is an annual two-week event where Center For Sight surgeons and staff provide free sight-saving cataract surgeries for people without means to pay for treatment. The Center For Sight surgeons, optometric physicians, nurse anesthetists, medical technicians and administrative staff donate their time and expertise to the cause, performing an average of 100 vision restoring surgeries every year.

There is no way to prevent cataract formation; a condition where the lens of the eye becomes clouded and eventually results in vision loss. Surgical treatment is necessary to replace the clouded lens and restore lost sight. However, for the thousands of adults living below the poverty level in Florida, many have neglected their vision care needs out of financial necessity.

David W. Shoemaker, M.D., Founder and Director of Cataract & Lens Replacement Surgery at Center For Sight felt that no one should succumb to a life of blindness due to a treatable condition. That’s why, over 25 years ago, he established Center For Sight as a Mission Cataract partner. The rest is history: For over two decades, Center For Sight has performed thousands of free cataract surgeries. Surgeries are performed for people living in Southwest Florida, and across the nation. Recently, Center For Sight partnered with the ASCRS Foundation and Operation Sight in order to expand our reach and provide this sight-saving service to even more individuals in need.

Apply Today

We are now accepting applications for the 2025 Mission Cataract Event.

The deadline for applications is Friday, May 23, 2025.

To apply, please download the application and complete the form. You may mail your completed application packet to:

Center For Sight Foundation
Attention: Mission Cataract
1360 East Venice Avenue
Venice, Florida 34285

Or you may fax your completed application packet to (941) 499-7847.

For more information on the application process please call (941) 493-2020.

Our Locations

Services Offered

Laser Cataract Surgery

Facial Cosmetic Surgery

Cornea Care

Emergency Eye Care

Adult & Senior Eye Exams

Diabetic Eye Exams

Contact Lens Exams, Fittings, & Brands

Dermatology & Skincare

News

Better Sight. Brighter Futures.

News & Updates

Better sight leads directly to brighter futures, and Center For Sight is taking action for the youth in our community! The Center For Sight Foundation has committed $100,000 to deliver life-changing vision care and glasses directly to children in need. Visit cfsfoundation.org to discover how this milestone investment is making a lasting difference! […]

October 22, 2026

Center For Sight

LASIK and Dry Eye: What You Need to Know Before and After Surgery

Eye Care, LASIK

Reviewed By: Dr. Tanuj Banker Dry eyes after LASIK are common because the procedure temporarily affects corneal nerves involved in tear sensation and tear-film regulation. For many patients, symptoms improve as the eyes heal, although pre-existing dry eye can increase the risk of more noticeable or longer-lasting symptoms. Evaluating the ocular surface before surgery and following […]

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Center For Sight

Are Flashing Lights and Blind Spots Signs of a Retinal Tear?

Eye Care, Retina Treatment

Reviewed By: Dr. Tanuj Banker Sudden flashes of light, new floaters, or changes in peripheral vision can be symptoms of a retinal tear. A dark curtain, shadow, or new blind spot may mean the retina has started to detach and needs immediate attention. Because these symptoms can overlap with less serious eye changes, a dilated eye […]

September 15, 2026

Center For Sight

Better Sight. Brighter Futures.

Better sight leads directly to brighter futures, and Center For Sight is taking action for the youth in our community! The Center For Sight Foundation has committed $100,000 to deliver life-changing vision care and glasses directly to children in need. Visit cfsfoundation.org to discover how this milestone investment is making a lasting difference! […]

LASIK and Dry Eye: What You Need to Know Before and After Surgery

Reviewed By: Dr. Tanuj Banker Dry eyes after LASIK are common because the procedure temporarily affects corneal nerves involved in tear sensation and tear-film regulation. For many patients, symptoms improve as the eyes heal, although pre-existing dry eye can increase the risk of more noticeable or longer-lasting symptoms. Evaluating the ocular surface before surgery and following […]

Are Flashing Lights and Blind Spots Signs of a Retinal Tear?

Reviewed By: Dr. Tanuj Banker Sudden flashes of light, new floaters, or changes in peripheral vision can be symptoms of a retinal tear. A dark curtain, shadow, or new blind spot may mean the retina has started to detach and needs immediate attention. Because these symptoms can overlap with less serious eye changes, a dilated eye […]

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We are a proud partner of US Eye, a leading group of patient-centric, vertically integrated multi-specialty physician practices providing patients with care in ophthalmology, optometry, dermatology and cosmetic facial surgery.

Learn More

Philanthropy in Florida

Mission Cataract

Our Locations

Services Offered

Laser Cataract Surgery

Dry Eye Therapy

LASIK

Glaucoma

Retina Conditions

Facial Cosmetic Surgery

Cornea Care

Emergency Eye Care

Adult & Senior Eye Exams

Diabetic Eye Exams

Contact Lens Exams, Fittings, & Brands

Dermatology & Skincare

News

Better Sight. Brighter Futures.

LASIK and Dry Eye: What You Need to Know Before and After Surgery

Are Flashing Lights and Blind Spots Signs of a Retinal Tear?

Better Sight. Brighter Futures.

LASIK and Dry Eye: What You Need to Know Before and After Surgery

Are Flashing Lights and Blind Spots Signs of a Retinal Tear?

Check Us Out On Social.