An ALL-VOLUNTEER 501c3 non-profit providing humanitarian services to disadvantaged people in Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
The group was formally founded during a 2012 eye care mission project to Nicaragua and the group's second project in Nicaragua. The warm, friendly and welcoming people captured our hearts, and we were impelled to continue the missions. Hopeful Ways was incorporated and granted 501c3 status in 2014.
02/05/2026
The Hopeful Ways Eye Care Mission Team conducted a 5 day Eye Care Clinic in cooperation with the Nicoya Lions Club and Hospital La Anexión during January 26 - 30, 2026. The clinic provided free eye care services to 790 patients. This significantly reduced the 3,200 person list of people, some of whom would have waited up to 3 years for an eye exam.
The clinic provided free eye exams including: visual acuity test, intraocular pressure (IOP) test and refraction. Based on the results of these tests, the patient could receive an eyeglass prescription from the optometrist, if appropriate, and a referral to the Hopeful Ways ophthalmologist for a more detailed diagnostic examination.
Patient demographics by day, age and s*x are shown below.
02/05/2026
An official letter of appreciation was received by Hopeful Ways from the Club De Leones Nicoya for the 21 volunteers who executed the 1-week clinic to help 790 Costa Ricans see more clearly. A translation of the letter follows:
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Nicoya, February 4, 2026
To:
Hopeful Ways Foundation
Carlins Jim, Carlins Loretta, Bansal Surbhi, Bowman Gail, Bowman Matt, Briggs Julia, Briggs Rob, Britt Kay, Davies Philip, Herrera Linda, Herrera Luis, Nelson Lilly, OMalley Mike, Rizzo Gale, Rizzo Joe, Roach Polly, Ryker Cris, Shiah Joe, Swenson Kerry, Van Pelt Rae Ann, Walker Pat.
Dear Friends:
From the Nicoya Lions Club, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Hopeful Ways Foundation for conducting, for the second consecutive year, the "Eye Care" campaign, held from January 26 to 30, 2026, in conjunction with the Nicoya Annexation Hospital. During this campaign, high-quality and compassionate care was provided to patients who needed prompt attention to improve their vision. Your generosity and commitment to our community have had a significant impact on the lives of 790 people.
The event was a success, thanks to the dedication and professionalism of each member of this mission who joined us.
We are grateful for your support and hope to collaborate again in this service work in the future, as fellow Lions.
Julia Rita Loria Garcia
President, Nicoya Lions Club 2025-2026
02/04/2026
When abnormalities arose during the 790 eye exams at the clinic, the Hopeful Ways ophthalmologist provided a more in-depth diagnosis which included eye dilation and examination using a slit lamp and a fundus (retina) camera. In addition to 168 cataract and 49 pterygium patients identified, 127 patients presented with other abnormal conditions. Of these 344 patients, 127 were deemed to have conditions that warranted follow-up examination and treatment, and these patients were referred to the hospital ophthalmologist. The hospital ophthalmologist also received complete reports detailing the reason for each patient's referral.
02/02/2026
Travel home for many of the Hopeful Ways volunteers has been a frustrating adventure with delays, cancellations and missed connections. Most are now home in cities across the country. Unfortunately 3 people were forced to stay overnight in Atlanta.
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02/01/2026
Wrapping up the mission is bitter sweet. 1/3 of the team left today. The Nicoya Lions are taking the remainder of the team for a relaxing day at a beach as a thank you for helping 800 of their people.
01/31/2026
Day 5 ends the Hopeful Ways Eye Care Clinic in Nicoya Costa Rica. During the week, 800 people received eye care services that improved the quality of
their lives. Many thanks to the Club De Leones Nicoya and Hospital de La Anexión for their tremendous support. Then came the less exciting task of carefully packing the medical instruments for the trip home.
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01/30/2026
Day 4 of the Hopeful Ways Eye Care Clinic ran like a well oiked machine with another 190 people leaving the clinic with better vision or a treatment plan.
01/29/2026
Day 3 of the Hopeful Ways Eye Care Clinic is in the books. Another 186 people with enhanced lives through improved vision. Great work by a dedicated team of volunteers.
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01/28/2026
The team is ready to start Day 3 of the Hopeful Ways Eye Care Clinic.
01/27/2026
Day 2 at Hopeful Ways Eye Care Clinic was very busy with 190 patients receiving services.
10/26/2025
Another successful eye clinic that helped 105 people.
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Hopeful Ways was formally founded during a 2012 eye care mission project to Nicaragua and the group's second project in Nicaragua. The warm, friendly and welcoming people captured our hearts, and we were impelled to continue the missions. Hopeful Ways was incorporated and granted 501c3 status in 2014.
Hopeful Ways provides free medical and humanitarian services and educational opportunities to the needy in Nicaragua, the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere after Haiti. The people are hard working and welcoming, but have few resources and struggle to provide for their families. The Nicaraguan economy struggles resulting in an extremely high unemployment rate and the government provides for few social programs.
Hopeful Ways signature program has provided free eyecare services since 2011 with free care clinics and free eye surgeries. The clinics provide eye examinations, prescription and reading glasses, eye drops and medications, sunglasses and safety glasses. These services improve vision and provide education for healthy eye care and prevention of vision loss. Free eye surgeries restore eyesight to the nearly blind suffering from severe cataracts. Tears of joy are seen from post-surgery as patients can see again for the first time in years, possibly decades. Other free eye surgeries performed include: corneal transplants, pterygium, detached retinas and other abnormalities.
Hopeful Ways humanitarian projects have provided emergency relief supplies after hurricanes, mud slides, flooding and other natural disasters. Also adaptive equipment has been provided for handicapped people.
Hopeful Ways education projects have delivered and installed computer lab and provided free school supplies. Also a young medical student was provided travel expenses to expand his medical education at University of Calgary Canada. He is now completing his medical training in Nicaragua where he will provide expanded services to his community.
