The LASIK for Heroes campaign is a “community-driven initiative”
Cookeville Eye Specialists has honored local, everyday community heroes. CES recently announced the winners of its inaugural LASIK for Heroes campaign, a campaign providing a free bilateral LASIK procedure that honors everyday community heroes, including:
- first responders
- health care workers
- active military members
Recipients were nominated by the public and selected by a panel of judges.
“Thanks to the overwhelming support from the local community, Dr. DeNaro and Cookeville Eye expanded their campaign commitment by providing two surgeries to deserving local heroes instead of just one,” according to a release by the company.
Winners include:
- Firefighter and paramedic, Brian Garrett, US Army Veteran
- Elementary school nurse, Julia Rodgers
Both received free LASIK surgery performed by Dr. Brittany DeNaro, a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained anterior segment specialist.
“It was an incredible honor to provide LASIK surgery to these individuals through our LASIK for Heroes campaign,” said Dr. DeNaro. “Our community’s heroes give so much of themselves, and helping them achieve a clearer vision is truly one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.”
The LASIK for Heroes campaign is a “community-driven initiative.”
“… That offers the public a chance to recognize and give back to those individuals who consistently go above and beyond to serve the community, whether through first response, education, military service or other acts of commitment.”
The campaign ran from May 15 to June 30.
“From the very first day I walked into the office, I was treated like a longtime family friend,” said Garrett. “I’m so appreciative of Dr. DeNaro and the entire Cookeville Eye Specialists team for this incredible life-changing experience.”
Rodgers says she is grateful.
“Winning the LASIK Hero contest has truly been such a blessing in my life,” said Julia Rodgers. “I am so grateful to Dr. DeNaro and her staff.”
Before LASIK, Garrett wore glasses and contact lenses that presented challenges to his work as a firefighter and paramedic for the City of Knoxville and Crossville. Rodgers also struggled with glasses and contact lenses as a military veteran and school nurse.
“Today, both Brian and Julia can see clearly and go about their daily lives without the vision challenges they once faced, a life-changing gift for two deserving community heroes,” according to the release.
CES says it is dedicated to advancing vision care while “honoring those who selflessly serve and uplift the community.”
“The LASIK for Heroes campaign is just one part of these efforts, and it continues to better the lives of everyday Tennessee heroes, providing them with the gift of improved vision year after year,” according to the company.
For more information, visit www.cookevilleeye.com.
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