Restoring Sight. Providing Hope. Changing Lives.

Since 1996, Restore Sight has been providing free eyecare and sight-restoring surgery to adults and children in underserved communities who have limited access to treatment. Through compassionate medical care, the team helps people regain their independence, rebuild their confidence, and return to the lives and communities they love.

Who We Are

More than 30,000 individuals served through life-changing eye care

Our Impact

Nearly 5,000 sight-restoring surgeries performed

30+ mission trips delivering care where it is needed most

What We Do

Since its founding, Restore Sight has relied on the generosity of doctors, residents, nurses, technicians, and other volunteers who freely give their time to carry forward the vision and mission inspired by our founder, the late Dr. Michael Sifri. His passion for serving others laid the groundwork for this organization, and his legacy continues through the dedication of volunteers who share their expertise and compassion with those in need. Their extraordinary commitment brings the gift of sight and essential care to individuals who have no other options.

Approach

Who Participates

In many of the communities we serve, access to medical care is scarce or nonexistent. Restore Sight brings compassionate eyecare and sight‑restoring surgery directly to people who would otherwise go without. From cataracts and glaucoma to retinal disease and reconstructive eyelid surgery, our teams provide life‑changing care to patients of all ages.

Volunteers

Where We Go

We return to the same countries year after year, primarily El Salvador and Honduras, to deliver ongoing care, deepen community relationships, and create lasting impact. By returning consistently, we can follow up with patients, support our local partners, and ensure that sight-restoring care is not a one-time event but a source of sustained hope.

Missions

Your generosity restores sight and transforms lives.

Donate

“I was blown away by my first mission trip. I know we were able to help people through a lot of effort and teamwork but that was a small part of the experience. The personal satisfaction I receive by helping so many kind and grateful people; and the relationships built with our hosts are what makes me want to go back every year”

—Faiz Khaja, M.D.
“I saw life from a different perspective and found my passion in this mission. Serving people in true need is empowering, and there is no greater feeling than helping others. I am grateful for all I once took for granted and for this experience.”

—Matt Menkhaus
"Volunteering with Restore Sight has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. We have the opportunity to truly make a difference in the lives of thousands. Everyone comes together with the sole purpose of saving vision and saving lives. The joy in the patients eyes gives such a great sense of hope."

—Jessica Discepoli
"As a volunteer I have had the opportunity to live and experience a unique life. The “Hands of Angels ” as I call them have been a great blessing to the lives of each person they help. The time they invest is such a great treasure. Seeing the faces of people full of joy before and after each surgery is just priceless."

—Ilyana Avalos
“Both mission trips (Honduras and El Salvador) are amazing experiences-from witnessing the extreme ocular pathology that exists elsewhere in the world and how you can make a meaningful impact to learning how to operate semi-autonomously. There are not enough superlatives to express the impact of this mission or Mike Sifri and Eric Purdy’s continued dedication to the mission and teaching residents!”

—Luke Lindsell, M.D.
"It's an opportunity for me to be reminded of what is truly important. To be apart of a team whose skills not only restore sight but change lives. It is a blessing indeed."

—Diane Hooper
"Helping to restore vision on these trip helps to transform both their world and mine. It's a blessing that is double-sided. "

—Melissa Getz

Contact

Have questions about volunteering or supporting Restore Sight?
We’d love to hear from you.

Dr. Hisham Arar

4760 Red Bank Expressway
Cincinnati, OH 45227

📧 Email: h1arar@aol.com
📞 Phone: (513) 265-2193