Optometrist finds fulfillment through humanitarian service

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Adam Borgman
  • 927 Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FLA. --  The Air Force Reserve is a volunteer force comprised of Airmen with different goals and aspirations. Some are drawn to continue their service after several years on active duty, while others want to take advantage of education benefits. Some members want the chance to give back to their community.

For U.S. Air Force Capt. Roxanne Buffano, 927th Aerospace Medical Squadron optometrist, her motivation to join the U.S. Air Force Reserve came from her desire to give back to those in need, specifically hoping to volunteer on humanitarian missions.

In June of 2014, Buffano would receive her chance along with two optometry technicians assigned to her squadron. The members volunteered to support Tropicare 14, a 10-day joint service humanitarian mission providing free health care for populations throughout the Hawaiian Islands. While deployed, Buffano examined approximately 600 patients in a matter of days, but during her time there, it was one patient that stood out more than the rest.

"I had an American military veteran come in for a glaucoma screening, he was unaware that he could go to the Veterans Administration to receive treatment," she said. "I talked with his daughter and when they coordinate transportation for him he will be able to get the treatment he needs. I found that a lot of people don't get treated because they just don't know their options."

Not only were veterans affected with health issues, small children were impacted as well. Due to their lack of knowledge about health risks and symptoms, poor eyesight became normal.

"There were so many little kids whose parents didn't know their children weren't seeing well, until they came in," said Buffano. "We put a pair of glasses on them and it just changed their world, they can now see that there are individual leaves on a tree rather than just green blobs."

When not fulfilling her Air Force Reserve commitment, Buffano runs a private optometry practice in Plant City, Florida where she sees about 30 patients per day.

Buffano loves what she does and is very passionate about leaving a mark in her profession. The skills she has gained from the Air Force Reserve and her private practice, led to her be recognized as the Young Optometrist of the Year by the Florida Optometry Association.

Buffano's aspiration to leave a mark is not fulfilled by civilian accolades, that can only be accomplished through seeking out opportunities where she can provide her skills to the many people in need.

"It is so powerful and rewarding to have the opportunity to help change even one life. When you can help those kids see clearly for the first time, or to help a veteran receive the care he or she earned, it makes it all worth it," she said. "Just think about it, if someone has gone their entire life not being able to see properly, and you get them the right treatment, they change into a newer, happier person."

The grueling 12 hour work days, with heart-wrenching stories, and little sleep while deployed led Buffano to insist this was so physically exhausting and mentally challenging.

"I wish I was mentally prepared for how draining it was due to the long days," she said. "It was definitely one of the hardest things I have done in my life, but also one of the most rewarding!"

She said that if she were to give advice to anyone interested in participating in a similar humanitarian mission, she would without hesitation, tell them to do it.

"It's worth it, I would encourage anyone and everyone to do it, at least once," she said. "I would just say do it, don't even think twice, just do it."