NEW VISION CENTER
INAUGURATION OF CHIQUIMULA
With the goal of bringing eye health and comprehensive care to more Guatemalans, Visualiza celebrated the official opening of its new Vision Center in Chiquimula on August 21st.
The inauguration included a formal ceremony attended by institution officials. During the event, the Commercial Director and Head of Vision Centers highlighted the importance of expanding our presence in the eastern part of the country, bringing affordable, quality services to Chiquimula families.
Likewise, the Executive Director of Visualiza shared a message of vision for the future, highlighting the institution’s commitment to continue growing to bring ophthalmological and complementary care to the communities that need it most and to eradicate preventable blindness in Guatemala.
The new Vision Center in Chiquimula offers patients key services such as:
Optics,
with a wide variety of rings, lenses and accessories.
Pharmacy, where patients can access specialized and general-use medications.
Optometry,
with professionals trained to assess eye health and prescribe appropriate correction.
Telemedicine,
An innovative tool that allows patients to connect with ophthalmology specialists without having to travel to other departments.
With this new location, Visualiza reaffirms its mission to care for people’s vision and overall health, helping more Guatemalans enjoy a full life with healthy vision.
CERTIFICATION IN OCULAR DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES
In August, we launched the Certification in Ocular Diagnostic Studies program, a program created to strengthen specialized and timely training in this fundamental area of Ophthalmology.
This intensive 9-week program has been carefully designed to offer a comprehensive learning experience.
Our professionals, Beberlin Leal, Glenda Pivaral, and Roy Guttelewitz, in conjunction with the Academy, conducted pre-training sessions and interventions during the implementation process, ensuring personalized support for participants through theoretical classes, flow training, evening reinforcements, and weekly assessments.
After a rigorous selection process, collaborator Yoselin Meléndez was recently chosen to join this certification. Likewise, collaborators Christian Vásquez and Mariela Hernández are currently undergoing training and reinforcement.
We especially congratulate our academic professionals for their dedication, commitment, and valuable contributions to the transmission of knowledge, which, through this program, contribute to the prevention and eradication of preventable blindness in Guatemala.
RECOGNITION
INITIATIVE AND COMMITMENT
At ADI, we deeply value actions that generate a significant impact on the learning process and the integration of new employees. On this occasion, we want to highlight and recognize the efforts of Pablo Aldana, who has demonstrated a high level of commitment and proactivity in supporting new medical assistants at the Social Clinic.
Thanks to his experience caring for patients from various ophthalmology spe-
cialties, Pablo clearly identifies the terms and procedures most commonly used by healthcare professionals. Based on this knowledge, and on his own initiative, he developed summary support guides for medical assistants, with the aim of facilitating understanding and accelerating the learning process for those joining the team.
These guides have not only strengthened the medical assistants’ practical training but also reflect the spirit of collaboration and mutual support that characterizes our organization. Currently, at the Social Clinic, these materials are already being used as a complementary resource for new employees, with highly positive results.
We congratulate Pablo Aldana for this valuable initiative, which reflects commitment, solidarity, and leadership. Actions like these inspire us to join forces, share our knowledge, and put our creativity at the service of patients, reminding us that together we build a stronger and more empathetic organization.
Comprehensive Health Day for People with Diabetes at Visualiza
On August 9th, Visualiza successfully held a Diabetes Day at our Diabetes Center, reaffirming our commitment to the comprehensive health of our patients. The event was aimed at people living with diabetes and those seeking to prevent complications associated with the condition.
During the event, attendees had access to a complete package of medical services for only Q50, which included:
Consultation with an internist
Glycosylated hemoglobin to assess glucose control over the past few months
Blood pressure measurement
Capillary blood glucose monitoring
Weight and body mass index with bioimpedance technology
This set of assessments allowed participants to gain a clear picture of their health status and receive personalized recommendations for diabetes management.
In addition to medical care, the event featured guest medical firms, who held special events, sharing information on new treatments, innovative products, and support tools for better disease management.
Patients were also able to take advantage of exclusive promotions on our optical, pharmacy, and nutrition services, reinforcing our focus on comprehensive care.
Diabetes is a condition that requires constant monitoring, and at Visualiza, we understand that supporting our patients throughout every stage of their treatment is essential to improving their quality of life. Events like this event seek to raise awareness about the importance of regular checkups, early detection of complications, and the adoption of healthy habits.
Through activities like this, Visualiza consolidates its position as an ally in healthcare, offering not only quality medical services but also accessible programs that have a positive impact on the lives of our community.
INNOVATIONS AND PROTOCOLS
As part of the ongoing improvement of surgical care, our team has reviewed oculoplastic surgery protocols, focusing on standardizing preoperative evaluation and postoperative management of the most common conditions, ensuring safer and more consistent procedures for each patient.
A significant advance has been the implementation of preoperative nasal endoscopy in patients candidates for tear duct surgery, thanks to the donation of an intranasal camera to the clinic. This resource allows for more precise evaluation and improves the quality of the surgical approach.
Preoperative checklists, Standardized surgical notes, Correct issuance of postoperative prescriptions.
These measures improve patient safety and the traceability of each procedure.
Finally, the revised action plan for the DMV pterygium surgery program was presented, ensuring better organization and follow-up of scheduled cases for the benefit of our community.
MEDICAL DIRECTION
Watch on PBS’s “Empowered”
Visualiza’s Medical Director participated in the recording of an interview for the PBS television program “Empowered,” held at SEVA’s offices in Berkeley, California.
In this space, Dr. Umang Mathur, medical director of Dr. Shroff’s Charity Hospital, and Kate Moynihan, executive director of SEVA, shared their experiences with our team, strengthening international collaboration for the benefit of eye health.
TELE MEDICINE
At the end of August, a virtual telemedicine workshop was held with the participation of the Vision Centers’ directors, Alejandro Lechuga and Herbert López. During the session, the project’s progress and future plans were presented, with the goal of identifying areas for improvement and growth opportunities, and providing feedback to optometrists and counselors.
As part of the activities, an in-person visit by Dr. Cabezas was also organized, strengthening the support and monitoring of this initiative.
YOU TOO ARE VISUAL!
In August, a space was opened for our staff to share their experiences at Visualiza, where they were heard and actively participated in the organization. They also had the opportunity to learn about our value proposition, strengthening their sense of belonging and commitment.
CALL TO
Recognition of the Heroes of Vision
A special meeting was held with the Vision Heroes to recognize them, motivate them, and remind them of the “superpowers” they possess inside and outside of Visualiza. This event highlighted the importance of their role and how, through their example and leadership, they have become true role models for others.
ACTIVATE YOUR POWERS!
HUEHUETENANGO
Medical and Ophthalmology Days in Communities
Several medical and ophthalmology care days were held in different communities, bringing health services to populations with limited access.
In the community of Suculque, more than 50 people received general medical care at the Incensario de Oro Church, with access to low-cost medications and the detection of cases of cataracts and pterygium.
In La Mesilla and Jacaltenango, Huehuetenango, ophthalmology days were held, allowing patients with various visual conditions to be treated, identifying cases requiring medical follow-up and possible corrective surgery.
These activities reaffirm the commitment to bringing health and visual well-being to communities in need.
SAN PEDRO
In San Pedro Sacatepéquez, San Marcos, various community activities were carried out, including the implementation of visual screenings in the villages of Chim, Cantel, and Piedra Grande, as well as a community outreach event in the village of Las Majadas. The goal was to provide eye care services, detect vision problems in a timely manner, and provide support to the population.
Visualiza participated as an official sponsor for the second time in the 5K race of the NGO Sumate located in Jocotenango Zacatepequez, which took place on August 9 of this year. Free consultations were donated to raise awareness about our services and reach more patients in need of eye care.
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Connect to Transform. Soft Skills - Project Finder
Strengthen the interpersonal skills of Visual Health Promoters by developing communication, empathy, and emotional management skills to optimize interaction with communities, build patient trust, and increase the effectiveness of case recruitment and referral to Visualiza hospitals.
How to Manage Digital and Technological Change Without Failing in the Attempt.
Provide participants with change management tools that enable them to lead and support digital transformation processes, ensuring team adaptation, the integration of new technologies, and the sustainability of innovation within the organization.
Light Hunters, Capture Strategies - Project Seeker
To provide Eye Health Promoters with practical strategies for community recruitment, persuasion, and awareness-raising that enable them to identify, attract, and motivate potential patients, maximizing eye care coverage in high-need communities.
Behind the Symptom
Promote among physicians a comprehensive and humane approach to clinical practice, emphasizing that behind every symptom lies a person with emotions, a history, and a context. This will help them develop the ability to combine scientific knowledge with empathy, active listening, and dignified treatment, thereby strengthening the doctor-patient relationship and contributing to more compassionate and effective care at Visualiza.
Visual support material, registration and monitoring sheets - Search Project Train Eye Health Promoters in the efficient use of educational materials, record forms, and follow-up tools, with the goal of standardizing data collection, improving case management, and ensuring traceability in patient care.
Earthquake Evacuation Drill
Evaluate and strengthen employee response capacity in the event of an earthquake by conducting an evacuation drill to implement emergency protocols, ensure staff safety, and improve coordination between teams and staff in general.
Hospital Waste Management
Train medical assistants, nurses, and optometrists in the proper classification, handling, and disposal of hospital waste, with the goal of preventing contagion risks, ensuring staff safety, and complying with biosafety and environmental regulations.
Medications for Pharmacy Assistants
Train pharmacy assistants and cashiers in the safe and responsible handling of medications, ensuring compliance with storage, dispensing, and patient guidance standards, with the goal of promoting reliable service and reducing the risk of misuse.
Practical Workshop: Emergency Cardiovascular Resuscitation
Strengthen the preparedness of the Visualiza emergency brigade in handling critical situations by applying cardiovascular resuscitation protocols, with the goal of reducing risks, improving immediate response capacity, and increasing survival in cases of cardiorespiratory arrest.
Behavior
Modification
Techniques
- Diploma in Leadership
Provide leaders with tools for analyzing and applying behavioral techniques that allow them to guide, motivate, and correct behaviors in their teams, strengthening organizational culture, productivity, and the development of human talent.
AMD in 2025: Global Outlook and Regional Developments - EMC
To update physicians on trends, therapeutic advances, and international and regional perspectives on Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), with the goal of strengthening their diagnostic and therapeutic competencies and promoting the implementation of new evidence-based clinical practices.
SEVA MDLP Management Program Graduation
Reflect on the personal and organizational changes needed to reorient professional purpose and focus, strengthening commitment, adaptability, and conscious leadership in the workplace, aligned with the Visualiza strategy.
Raul Gambia The Dream Team TDT
To inspire participants through a motivational experience that promotes teamwork, resilience, and strategic vision, with the goal of strengthening commitment and transformative leadership in their social management environments.
Promoter KPIs, Promoter Manual - Project Search
Standardize the performance of Eye Health Promoters by implementing key performance indicators (KPIs) and using the promoter manual to ensure efficient recruitment, high-quality patient follow-up, and alignment of results with institutional objectives.
READ and Refractive Surgery
To update optometrists and anterior segment specialists on the clinical and surgical advances in refractive surgery and READ, strengthening their skills in patient selection, implementing modern protocols, and ensuring better visual and postoperative outcomes.
Myopia Control Lenses - EMC
To update physicians on the technologies, benefits, and clinical protocols related to myopia control lenses, in order to expand their therapeutic options, provide personalized treatments, and contribute to the prevention of long-term visual complications.
Effective Communication for Networking Success
Develop participants’ interpersonal and persuasive communication skills necessary to establish and consolidate strategic networks, with the goal of expanding opportunities for collaboration, learning, and professional growth.
