FEBRUARY 2026 | VOL 2

A BREAKTHROUGH FOR MICHELLE

When nothing else worked, Beauty of Sight's Serum Tears made the difference

For years, Michelle lived with constant eye pain. Reading, driving, and even being outdoors became daily challenges. She tried countless treatments, but nothing provided lasting relief. Then her doctor prescribed Serum Tears, prepared by Beauty of Sight.

Within weeks, Michelle noticed a remarkable change. The burning eased. Her vision improved. For the first time in years, her eyes began producing natural tears again.

“Within 30 days, I started producing tears. It was amazing.” – Michelle

Serum Tears are a customized therapy made from a patient’s own serum and prescribed by an eye care professional. For patients suffering from severe dry eye and complex ocular surface disease, this innovative treatment can restore comfort and quality of life.

Stories like Michelle’s remind us why our work matters. Through innovation, compassion, and community support, Beauty of Sight continues to Create a World Without Blindness, one patient at a time.

NATIONAL DONOR DAY IN-SERVICE

AT ST. MARY’S MEDICAL CENTER

On February 13, St. Mary’s Medical Center hosted a National Donor Day in-service for nurse leaders, joined by representatives from Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency, Legacy Donor Services, and Beauty of Sight. Presentations were delivered by Jonathan Reichenberger, Trina Long, and Dahiana De Francisco, who discussed the impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation, outlined the roles and responsibilities of each agency, and emphasized the importance of hospital collaboration.

Attendees reviewed the donation process, timely referrals, common misconceptions, and St. Mary’s specific data. A memorable highlight was guest speaker Leland, who shared his story of receiving a lung transplant 26 years ago.

Nurse leaders were highly engaged, contributing to meaningful discussions and underscoring the vital role of partnership in making donation possible. Overall, the in-service was a great success and a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships, foster collaboration, and advance our shared mission of saving and enhancing lives through donation.

In Florida, more than 5,000 people are awaiting lifesaving organ transplants, with many others in need of tissue and corneal transplants. One donor can save multiple lives and help many more.

Take a moment to learn about donation, register your decision, and share your wishes with loved ones at Donate Life Florida (DonateLifeFlorida.org).

AI IN OPHTHALMOLOGY: TOP ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOLS TRANSFORMING EYE HEALTH

The AI in the ophthalmology sector is evolving rapidly, introducing tools that enhance diagnostic accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility. These technologies are revolutionizing the early detection and treatment of vision-threatening conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

DIM LIGHTS AND CLOSE-UPS MAY BE

 THE REAL DRIVERS OF MYOPIA

The global surge in myopia (nearsightedness) is often blamed on screens, but new research suggests a more physiological culprit: low retinal illumination. The study proposes that when we perform sustained “near work” indoors, like reading a book or scrolling on a phone, our pupils constrict to sharpen the image (accommodation).



In dim indoor lighting, this constriction, combined with low ambient light, starves the retina of the robust activity it needs to stay healthy. This “light starvation” may be the unifying mechanism that explains why outdoor time prevents myopia and why certain treatments, like atropine drops (which dilate the pupil), actually work.