Giving the gift of sight

This article was originally published on my LinkedIn profile. I wrote this story while working at Luxottica supporting both associates and doctors in the LensCrafters business. To learn more about the nonprofit OneSight, click here.

When Adam Hopkins, Lab Manager at LensCrafters, began his LensCrafters career in 2002, he never imagined he would one day board a plane to South America to help give hundreds of Colombians the gift of sight.

Originally from Colorado and raised in Montana, Hopkins learned at a young age that he was legally blind without glasses. When he turned 19 years old, his girlfriend at the time filled out his LensCrafters application for him, because Hopkins wasn’t convinced just yet that LensCrafters would take a chance on him. But to his surprise (and LensCrafters benefit!), Hopkins quickly earned the job and earned his way through the ranks, becoming a retail associate, a lab technician and now a lab manager.

Fast forward to just a couple months ago – September 1, 2019 – Hopkins welcomed the humid morning air as he slowly walked off the jet bridge, stepping into what was uncharted territory: Colombia, South America. As he greeted the Spanish-speaking locals who welcomed him with open arms, Hopkins recalled the humble moments that brought him to this point.

Just twelve years ago, he was on his first international clinic in El Salvador, and before that, he had traveled the country with his wife performing free eye wear repairs and adjustments at nursing homes. Now, he welcomed his newest adventure, overwhelmed with a genuine combination of nervousness, excitement and gratitude.

With Google Translate in hand, Hopkins was determined to understand and appreciate Colombian culture. For every conversation he had, he did his best to connect with those from all walks of life.

“They were so open that I just had to hear what they were saying,” Hopkins recalled. “It wasn’t just the words they spoke, but the feeling and passion associated with their words that said it all.”

Hopkins particularly recalls a heartwarming moment where a Colombian woman’s words brought him to tears.

 “I could feel what she was saying,” Hopkins said. “She kept repeating how beautiful I was and how unbelievable the experience was.”

In a crowded and noisy gymnasium, where Hopkins could at times barely hear him-self think, the woman spoke passionately as she cried out about the beauty that surrounded her.

The moment impacted Hopkins so deeply, that he quickly asked her for a hug and a picture.

The trip in sum was an opportunity of a lifetime.

“I've already signed up for my next clinic and I've only been back a couple weeks,” Hopkins said reminiscing. “There’s so much to be gained. The entire experience has changed me so much; it has reset my mentality and made me stop being so selfish.”

Hopkins is certain the lessons he has learned will withstand the test of time.

“The people you meet changes who you are so much,” he said. “You really think you’re going to help somebody, but in the end, you’re the one that is being helped.”