TOTAL
ACHIEVEMENTS, 2024
PATIENTS ATTENDED
OUTREACH PATIENTS
CATARACT SURGERIES
CHILDREN SCREENED 207,077 18,427 6,029 8,903 14,214
OTHER SURGERIES
TOTAL ACHIEVEMENTS, 2024
PATIENTS ATTENDED
89,162
CATARACT SURGERIES OTHER SURGERIES
3,106
4,013
WORLD SIGHT DAY 2024
This year’s World Sight Day was a significant event for Visualiza, where we reaffirmed our commitment to improving eye health in Guatemala. Throughout the months of September and October, our 13 offices carried out intensive patient recruitment campaigns, looking for those who could benefit from free cataract surgery. With this initiative, we were able to provide a life-changing opportunity for low-income people, improving their quality of life and facilitating their access to quality eye care.
Surgery days were held at our three hospitals, where an unprecedented number of operations were performed. At Vincent Pescatore Hospital in Petén, surgeries were performed on October 3 and 4. We continued at Visualiza Hospital in Quetzaltenango, where we treated another large number of patients on October 7 and 8. Finally, we celebrated our big day on October 10 at the central headquarters in Guatemala City, consolidating the closing of this cataract surgery donation campaign.
This campaign would not have been possible without the support and effort of our medical team and all our collaborators, as well as all the people who have trusted in our mission.
WORLD DIABETES DAY 2024
Visualiza Information Workshop in the framework of World Diabetes Day
Last November, on the occasion of World Diabetes Day, the informative workshop “Visualiza” was held, an event designed to raise awareness about the effects of diabetes on eye health and provide valuable information for both patients and health professionals. This workshop was aimed especially at the media and was given by Ophthalmologist Dr. Lilyan León, who shared her experience and knowledge on the subject. The main objective was to promote early diagnosis, prevention and proper management of visual complications associated with this disease.
A comprehensive agenda for eye health
The “Visualiza” workshop included a well-structured agenda that addressed key topics related to diabetes and its impact on eye health. The basics of this disease were initially presented, emphasizing its impact on global and national health. Relevant statistics and trends were shared that underline the increasing prevalence of diabetes in the population.
The workshop reaffirms the importance of educating the population about the visual complications of diabetes. Early detection and adequate treatment are key to preventing vision loss and improving the quality of life of patients. This event became a valuable space to share knowledge, experiences and resources, thus contributing to the fight against diabetes complications.
OPHTALMOLOGICAL OUTREACH ACTIVITIES, 2024
Each year, different outreach activities were held across the country to support people with limited access to specialized eye care. We continue to provide visual health to all of Guatemala, reaching out to New Places to give new hope to the people who need it most.
1,222 LENSES DISTRIBUTED
PATIENTS ATTENDED
18,427
OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
245
OPHTALMOLOGICAL OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
Our commitment to eye health continues to grow stronger through our community outreach activities. These initiatives are developed in key, strategically selected locations, with the support of our vision centers and hospitals as an operational base.
A highly trained team, made up of coordinators, optometrists, counselors, optical technicians and medication specialists, conducts constant visits to identify vision problems, perform refractions, provide personalized advice and refer patients with more complex conditions to nearby specialized centers.
Strategic alliances with municipalities, community leaders and collaborating organizations are essential to expand our reach. Thanks to these collaborations, we manage to impact more people, offering quality care and raising awareness in
CHILDREN EYE HEALTH
Visual health in childhood is essential to ensure comprehensive development and effective learning. At Visualiza, we understand the importance of taking care of the eyes of the little ones, which is why we have designed a special program of pediatric days, focused on providing free and accessible visual care to communities
During 2024, our team visited schools in various communities, carrying out not only complete visual check-ups, but also recreational activities that fostered a friendly and educational environment for children. Through these days, we were able to detect visual problems in students, providing them with solutions such as glasses, medications or, in more complex cases, surgeries, referring them to our nearest
In addition, we extended this effort to parents and teachers in the communities visited, ensuring that all those involved in the education and care of children also received the necessary care. With these actions, we reaffirm our commitment to transform lives through visual health, impacting not only individuals, but entire communities that can now look to the future with greater clarity and hope.
TOTAL CHILDREN ATTENDED LENSES DISTRIBUTED
14,214
2,897
VISION CENTER
We are proud and happy to continue bringing eye health to more Guatemalans. During 2024 we have opened two new vision centers located in Jocotenango and Joyabaj.
The Vision center offer optometry, telemedicine ophthalmology, optics, pharmacy, counseling, and referrals to our nearby hospitals for secondary-level intervention or procedures.
We remain firm in our commitment to visual health. During the month of January, we enthusiastically celebrated the opening of our 12th and 13th Vision Center in Jocotenango and Joyabaj.
Jocotenango, inauguration in January, 2024
Joyabaj, inauguration in September, 2024
ACHIEVEMNTS VISION CENTERS, 2024
PATIENTS ATTENDED
89,162
CATARACT SURGERIES OTHER SURGERIES
3,106
4,013
NEW HOSPITAL
“A new dawn for visual health in Quiché”
In July, we marked a milestone in our history by laying the first stone of our new Visualiza Ophthalmological Hospital in Quiché. This project, the result of years of effort and dedication, represents a fundamental step in our mission to eradicate preventable blindness in Guatemala.
With the construction of this modern hospital, thousands of Guatemalans in Quiché and its surroundings will have access to quality ophthalmological services. From prevention and early diagnosis to specialized treatments, our team of professionals will work tirelessly to improve the quality of life of those who need it most.
This shared dream becomes a reality thanks to the commitment of our company and the support of the community. Together, we are building a brighter future, where preventable blindness is just a memory.
ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT IN ADI
2024 marked a year of significant progress at Visualiza’s Comprehensive Development Academy (ADI). Our new anterior segment subspecialty was inaugurated, offering advanced training in the study and management of the cornea and lens, essential for visual health. In addition, the Wetlab laboratory at Visualiza Hospital continued to strengthen the practical training of residents in academic programs.
We also welcomed the elective program, with two doctors aspiring to the Master’s Degree in Ophthalmology, who completed rotations in key areas of the specialty.
During a day of cataract surgeries, in collaboration with Iglesia Contigo, 20 medical students from the HWARAN YOUTH FOUNDATION gained valuable experiences by witnessing transformative procedures. Finally, we highlight the participation of Dr. Israelsen, who perfected surgical techniques under the supervision of experts, reflecting our commitment to excellence in ophthalmological training.
TOTAL ACHIEVEMENTS, 2024
CONCURSO POR OPOSICIÓN
MAESTRÍA EN OFTALMOLOGÍA
Personas interesadas
Personas que Cumplieron los requisitos
DE HORAS CRÉDITO
Educación Médica Contínua
Maestría en Oftalmología y Subespecialidad en Segmento
MAESTRÍAS Y SUBESPECIALIDADES
Segmento Anterior
Maestría en Oftalmología
INTERCAMBIOS EDUCATIVOS
Fellows de Moran Center en Utah
Médicos nacionales
Horas efectivas para recidentes y fellows
DIPLOMADO EN SALUD VISUAL
Estudiantes aprobados
Total de realizadas
TOTAL ACHIEVEMENTS, 2024
PATIENTS ATTENDED
89,162
CATARACT SURGERIES OTHER SURGERIES
3,106
4,013
Transforming Lives Through Vision Care
At Visualiza, we are not only dedicated to providing quality eye care, but we are also proud to share the success stories of those patients who, thanks to our initiatives, have transformed their lives. One of our most impactful programs is the donation of surgeries to low-income patients, who have received a second chance to recover their vision.
Throughout the year, we have had the privilege of accompanying numerous patients who have overcome economic and social barriers to access vital surgical procedures.
TOTAL ACHIEVEMENTS, 2024
PATIENTS ATTENDED
89,162
CATARACT SURGERIES OTHER SURGERIES
3,106
4,013
TOTAL ACHIEVEMENTS, 2024
PATIENTS ATTENDED
89,162
CATARACT SURGERIES OTHER SURGERIES
3,106
4,013
2030 IN SIGHT LIVE MEXICO
We are pleased to share the outstanding participation of our founder Dr. Mariano, our CEO Juan Francisco Yee and Medical Management with Dr. Lucia Silva and Dr. Silvia Aceituno in the “2030 InSight From Latin America” Congress held in Mexico.
This event brought together leaders in the visual health sector from across Latin America to discuss the challenges and opportunities to achieve the eradication of preventable blindness by 2030.
Our team had the opportunity to present innovative projects that contribute to this important mission. The interventions were received with great interest by the audience and reaffirm our commitment to excellence and innovation in visual health care.
We highlight the participation of Dr. Silvia Aceituno for her successful presentation of the innovative educational video project for patients with ocular diseases. Her dedication and passion for visual health are transforming the way our patients understand and manage their ocular conditions.
With these educational videos, we seek to empower our patients, providing them with the necessary knowledge to take care of their visual health effectively. Congratulations, Dr. Aceituno, on this great achievement and her unwavering commitment to eye health!
Additionally, as part of our commitment to regional collaboration, our CEO and Medical Director signed an institutional agreement with leading visual health institutions in Latin America. This agreement symbolizes our joint commitment to advance research, innovation and improvement of visual health services in the region.
We are confident that this strategic alliance will allow us to achieve great achievements and contribute significantly to the visual health of people throughout Latin America.
OPTOMETRY
Optometry, as a fundamental pillar in visual health care, requires constant updating of knowledge and skills. At Visualiza, we are committed to excellence in patient care and, therefore, we have implemented an ongoing training program for our optometrists.
Through our Training Conferences, we seek:
Consolidate the fundamentals of optometry. Develop problem-solving skills.
Establish evaluation standards.
Knowledge about pharmacology. Critical thinking. Effective communication.
By investing in the training of our optometrists, we are ensuring that our patients receive the highest quality care. Benefits include:
-INVIS-, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC VISIT FROM THE INTERNATIONAL VISION INSTITUTE
At the end of August, we had the honor of receiving Dr. Díaz and Dr. Gabriela Peña, and professionals Emmanuel Almonte and Patricia Flores, from the International Vision Institute (INVIS) of the Dominican Republic.
During their visit, they held meetings with leaders in the areas of administration, finance, project management, medical academic direction and academic coordination with the purpose of sharing knowledge and experiences in the processes of interest such as the functioning of the flow system, social programs, the master’s program in ophthalmology, management of supplies in the operating room, etc.
WORLD CONGRESS OF OPHTHALMOLOGY.
Dr. Lilyan León Nieto, Medical Academic Director of Visualiza, had the opportunity to represent our institution at the prestigious World Congress of Ophthalmology, held in Vancouver, Canada. During the event, Dr. León presented a clinical case of great interest handled by the retina department, on a patient diagnosed with choroidal osteoma, highlighting its complexity and management.
In addition, he participated with a scientific poster where he presented the results of a research carried out jointly with Dr. Renato Papa, Dr. Lucía Silva and Dr. Héctor Quintanilla, on the visual results and possible complications in patients who had an iris-anchored lens implanted.
Participation in scientific events of such relevance not only reflects Visualiza’s commitment to research and medical excellence, but also the importance of sharing our findings with the global community, contributing to the advancement of ophthalmology.
TRAINING DAY 2024
Hospital Visualiza Participates in Training Day 2024: A Commitment to Excellence in Visual Health
At the Training Day 2024 event, which brought together regional experts to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in various sectors, Visualiza highlighted its commitment to technological innovation in eye health. The institution presented how AI allows for the detection of visual problems in early stages, significantly improving treatments and positioning itself as a leader in efficient and accessible ophthalmological care.
In addition, the event served as a valuable platform to establish strategic alliances and explore collaborations that expand Visualiza’s programs. This focus on technology and excellence reaffirms its mission of providing quality eye health, integrating advanced tools to transform lives and projecting itself as a regional benchmark in ophthalmology.
DROP FREE
Training aimed at ophthalmologist doctors from the Drop Free team, to present the complete study protocol, study forms (practical), study of the intervention/injection of the study with Dr. Neal. And know the progress of the patients through a postoperative visit on day 1.
INTRAOCULAR LENSES
Know the differences between intraocular lenses, advantages and disadvantages, the characteristics of each of them and how these can help the patient and the doctor to choose the ideal lens in a personalized way.
UBM APPLICATIONS IN GLAUCOMA AND OTHER PATHOLOGIES Capacitación dirigida a médicos con el objetivo de actualizar las indicaciones de diagnóstico por medio de UBM, consideraciones en la técnica para realizar este estudio, utilidad para la toma de decisiones médicas y quirúrgicas, la importancia en el diagnóstico correcto de las causas de Cierre angular, y utilidad del UBM para el diagnóstico de otras patologías.
OPTICAL-OPTOMETRY INTERACTION WORKSHOP
AND LABORATORY Aimed at opticians and optical laboratories, knowing the verification of ophthalmic lenses, patient care and counseling, face types, etc., in order to improve the patient experience.
PEARLS IN OCULAR ONCOLOGY
Aimed at all Visualiza doctors, through Dr. Ancona’s experience in the research “Choroidal Nevus Imaging Features in 3,806 cases and Risk Factors for Transformation into Melanoma in 2,355 cases”, the new Diagnostic Mnemonics was proposed which points out the variables to take into account for a possible identification of a Choroidal Melanoma before it appears, allowing studies to determine whether the lesion is benign or malignant. Later addressing the different treatments for Melanoma and Retinoblastoma.
HOSPITAL WASTE MANAGEMENT
Directed for administrators, maintenance, technical maintenance, clinical laboratory to know the processes of hospital waste management, in order to improve our biosafety protocol, minimizing waste collection and sanitation times in work areas; thus complying with our hygiene standards.
OPERATION ROOM PROCESSES
To develop the skills and knowledge necessary to assist the ophthalmologist during a surgical day, for the implementation of sterilization protocols in remote areas of the base hospital.
CONSENSUS ON ANESTHESIA MANAGEMENT IN OPHTHALMOLOGY
To present the casuistry of the management of ocular anesthesia in the clinic, local anesthesia application techniques, its key considerations in patients who require sedation, exploration of alternatives to reduce the cancellation of procedures and thus provide safe anesthesia.
INDICATIONS, TYPES AND MANAGEMENT OF CORNEAL TRANSPLANTS (DALK, QPP, DSEK)
Aimed at all doctors, to acquire comprehensive knowledge about the indications, generalities and requirements of corneal transplants, covering the types of existing transplants, medical management, treatment of postoperative astigmatism, as well as the procedure to manage rejection and possible complications.
TELEMEDICINE Aimed at Human Talent management to train optometrists in the use of telemedicine tools and platforms for remote patient care with the support of the ophthalmologist, allowing eye evaluations, diagnoses and followups to be carried out efficiently and safely, for the improvement of the access to visual health services in optimizing patient care in virtual environments.
ORGANIZATIONAL WELL-BEING Grupo Buró, through its annual congress, brought together Latin American leaders specialized in organizational health and well-being, who shared practical tools, strategies and valuable knowledge to promote a positive, motivating and productive environment in organizations.
AMBLYOPIA
Learn about the pathology of amblyopia for correct detection, as well as the process of donating glasses to support communities.
EYELID TUMORS
To establish the classification of eyelid lesions and their medical and surgical management, differentiating benign and malignant lesions according to their clinical characteristics. To define surgical treatment, types of biopsies, pathology and follow-up of cases; presenting the updated management of these cases institutionally.
TEAM INTEGRATION FOR CHANGE (DIPLOMA IN LEADERSHIP)
Strengthen the leadership and management skills of high-performance teams to provide timely guidance to the employees in charge, fostering trust, respect and genuine commitment as part of the organizational transformation process.
PATIENT ADVISORY (SALES CERTIFICATION)
Strengthen the skills of optical sales executives in personalized care, aimed at providing professional and empathetic advice to patients, in order to identify their visual needs, offer appropriate optical solutions and promote an exceptional service experience that boosts patient confidence and loyalty towards Visualiza.
