A Mission of Hope and the Gift of Sight
For thousands of people across the country, blindness from cataracts can mean the loss of independence, livelihood, and hope. But for a special group of patients treated this September at Frantz EyeCare, a new chapter began — one of restored vision and renewed confidence through the nonprofit Mission Cataract USA.
This year marked Dr. Jonathan Frantz’s 10th consecutive year participating in the program. Over the past decade, Dr, Frantz, and his compassionate team have performed sight-restoring surgeries at no cost for patients throughout Florida who lack insurance or financial resources. This year was no exception — the team provided care to numerous patients from across the state and even as far away as Macon, Georgia.
“There is not a single one of us who hasn’t experienced loss,” shared Dr. Frantz. “Bad things happen to good people through no fault of their own, many of these patients had lost hope and we wanted to give that back.”
Patient Stories of Transformation
Among those treated was a man in his 60s — a former chef and fisherman from Fort Myers — who had been blind in both eyes for years due to cataracts. Unable to work, drive, or even recognize the faces of loved ones, he had become isolated and dependent. He once joked that he would talk to street signs, thinking they were people.
When he arrived at Frantz EyeCare, he required caregivers just to navigate the hallways. His surgery, painless and lasting less than 10 minutes, changed everything. The next day, he saw his doctor for the first time and within a week, he was seeing 20/25, ready to regain his independence and return to work.
“Almost immediately after surgery, he could see faces, details, and color for the first time in years,” recalled Dr. Frantz. “The joy in his eyes and in his family was indescribable.”
Another notable transformation came under the care of Dr. Boyd Vaziri, who treated Nathan, a 33-year-old father of a special-needs child. Nathan had suffered a severe eye injury and was battling vision loss worsened by diabetes. Once legally blind in both eyes, he relied entirely on his family for help.
“He’s only 33 years old, with a young child to care for,” said Dr. Vaziri. “My heart went out to him. I was just grateful that, through Dr. Frantz and Mission Cataract, we had this opportunity to help. Before surgery, he could only see a moving hand in front of him and nothing else. Today, he is seeing 20/20 with the naked eye.”
Nathan described the moment with a laugh and tears of joy: “It feels amazing, coming from seeing nothing to seeing everything. The timing could not be better. I just got my vision back, now I can work again and bring my son home. My sister found Frantz EyeCare, and everything changed.”
Restoring More Than Sight: Why They Do It
“Every time we perform these surgeries,” reflected Dr. Frantz, “I think about what it means to give someone back the gift of sight and how that can change the trajectory of a life. It is truly priceless. That is why we went into medicine.”
The Gift of Collaboration and The Expansion of a Friendship
The holiday season often inspires reflection on the power of friendship. One example shines brightly, that of Jonathan Frantz MD, FACS and Ralph Garramone, MD. One that began as a professional relationship has grown into a true friendship and dynamic collaboration.
Together these two highly respected physicians bring extraordinary opportunities to Southwest Florida combining world-class expertise and state-of-the-art technology and two AAAHC–accredited surgery centers in Fort Myers and Naples. It is a collaboration that continues to elevate patient care and redefine excellence in our community.
“True beauty in medicine and surgeries lies in the teamwork. When minds and skills unite with on shared purpose we are able to restore confidence and enhance lives,” adds Dr. Ralph Garramone.
The Love of Modern Technology
When it comes to innovation, Frantz EyeCare continues to lead with one guiding principle — invest in the best technology available to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
“Technology is constantly evolving and staying at the forefront is essential to me,” says Dr. Jonathan Frantz. “My priority has always been to provide our patients with the very best care possible, and that begins with having the most advanced technology possible.”
Frantz Eyecare recently made a major investment in state-of-the-art cataract technology. The most advanced system on the market and possibly the first surgery center in South Florida to offer it.
This commitment to advanced tech extends beyond surgical tools to include innovative diagnostic systems, advanced imaging equipment, and a growing suite of cosmetic lasers. “Some of this technology didn’t even exist ten years ago,” Dr. Frantz added. “We’ve also introduced new aesthetic lasers like the Morpheus8 for fat removal and skin tightening, the Quantum RF, InMode Solaria CO₂ laser, and the Triton Hair Removal system — all of which help our patients not only see better but look and feel better.”
Frantz Eyecare Fort Myers Office – Where style and function meet state-of-the-art technology.
The Power of Teamwork and Excellence
“I have the most amazing staff of physicians, surgeons, and eye specialists anywhere in South Florida,” said Dr. Frantz proudly. “We have nineteen expertly skilled doctors, and more than two hundred team members across seven locations in Southwest Florida.
Among them is Dr. Maxwell Burch, a highly sought-after cataract, cornea, and refractive specialist who recently celebrated his 2,000th LASIK procedure. Dr. Manik Goel, a glaucoma expert and former professor, leads the region in advanced diagnostic and surgical glaucoma care. Dr. Yamini Attiku, a Medical Retina and Uveitis Specialist, brings years of retinal disease research experience, while Dr. Nisha Warrier, an expert in vitreoretinal surgery, provides comprehensive management of complex medical and surgical retinal and vitreous disorders.
“As you can see,” concluded Dr. Frantz, “I am incredibly proud of our talented, compassionate team and the future we are building together. With our technology, expertise, and passion, the best is yet to come.”