Formerly San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind and Vision Impaired

Giving Tuesday is coming up on December 2, 2025!  

Join this global day of giving by helping us fulfill our mission of empowering people with vision loss to live, work and thrive.

Thanks to our participation in Valero Texas Open’s Champions FORE Charity, every donation is matched at 7%, making your gift go even further. 

Here’s how your donation makes a difference:  

• $25 supports white cane navigation training for children and adults.

• $50 funds access to specialized optometry and therapy for individuals experiencing vision loss.

• $100 provides education and employment services for individuals experiencing vision loss. 

Join us for Dining in the Dark: Unleash Your Senses — a wild and immersive experience at The Ralston, the San Antonio Zoo’s newest event space, on Friday, February 13, 2026.

Experience fine dining, sensory discovery and purpose - all in total darkness.

Savor a three-course dinner with curated bourbon and wine tastings while supporting Vibrant Works' mission to empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired. ✨

What inspired you to join the Vibrant Works board?

I was Chief of the Department of Optometry at Brooke Army Medical Center from 2017 to 2022. During this time, my Residency Director (LTC Chris Alferez) had scheduled a tour of Vibrant Works (at the time San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind) for our students and residents to show them opportunities and assistance available to people with visual impairments. Too often, my profession focuses on visual acuity and misses the mark on maximizing the functional vision. I accompanied our students and residents on this tour and was immediately impressed and amazed by the mission and the work being done. During the tour, I knew that I would be retiring soon and likely staying here in San Antonio. I spoke with former President and CEO Mike Gilliam in the parking lot before leaving and asked him how I could help. It wasn't long before I received an email from Mike with an application for the Board and then scheduled an interview with President and CEO Cindy Watson.

What do you love the most about Vibrant Works?

My passion has to be the programs that Vibrant Works offers to assist people with vision loss with functioning in a world that doesn't understand blindness. I was so happy to see the Center for Independence open across the street and have suggested to several of my patients to explore this program. My favorite program(s) have to be the opportunities Vibrant Works offers to children and their families. Being "different" isn't easy and I feel the children's programs support these children and their families to recognize and embrace their "normal."

When did you join the Vibrant Works board?

I became a Board Member at a time of transition in my life. I was accepted onto the Board at the end of 2021 and then became an active member in 2022.

What is a fun fact about you?

During my time in the Army I was stationed in or visited about 50 countries. And, I once had long hair and was the lead singer in a rock band. We never made an album or wrote original music, but we did play covers at a few events.

What is your occupation?

Optometrist and co-owner of Pearle Vision San Antonio.

Thank you for being part of our mission. Every contribution, whether through donations, volunteer hours, or other acts of support, allows us to continue empowering individuals with vision loss.

From our staff to our volunteers, donors, and board members, you are the heart of Vibrant Works.

We could not do this work without you. Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!