10/05/2026
Every October, World Sight Day shines a spotlight on the importance of eye care and what it means to have access to affordable, quality care for all. We’re celebrating World Sight Day throughout the week by sharing stories of the people who make half Helen what it is, and we’re kicking things off by spotlighting our 2026 half Helen Volunteer of the Year, Catherine Martinez!
Catherine first volunteered with half Helen at a Glasses Day event in April 2023. Since then, she has helped us dispense more than 300 pairs of glasses to students across Central Texas. When half Helen launched our Vision Field Trips, Catherine was also one of the first volunteers to sign up.
We’re incredibly grateful for Catherine’s dedication, but what really makes her stand out is the way she connects with the students who visit our clinic.
For many of the students we see, a Vision Field Trip is their first visit to an optometrist, and a new experience like that can feel intimidating. Catherine has a special ability to help students feel comfortable, turning what could be an unfamiliar experience into a fun and positive one. She’s also an expert at helping students choose glasses that fit both their faces and their personalities.
Catherine represents what makes our volunteers so special: a commitment to helping others see the world clearly, one person at a time.
Nearly everyone will experience an eye health issue in their lifetime. World Sight Day is an annual reminder to and an opportunity to join millions of people around the world who understand the value of vision.
