When I first started practicing Ophthalmology in Southwest Florida in 1989, I never dreamed I would be able to help so many people. At Frantz EyeCare, we measure success differently. While many other businesses and practices use metrics like profits and high volume, we see things quite differently. Frantz EyeCare measures success by the number of people whose lives have been improved by the services we provide. There are so many life-changing stories over the years. People from all walks of life and from all around the country - and, indeed, the world - have come to Frantz EyeCare to have their vision improved and for a more youthful appearance. Hope is such an important word, and nothing is more tragic than someone who has lost all hope due to poor vision. One of the things we are most proud of is our partnership with Mission Cataract and our annual Day of Giving Back. William, for example, was a homeless veteran. He developed a cataract in his only eye that prevented him from being able to drive and work. Bad luck and unfortunate circumstances resulted in William’s becoming legally blind, uninsured, destitute, homeless and, yes, hopeless. He learned about the free cataract surgery program at Frantz EyeCare as part of Mission Cataract and traveled with a friend who was kind enough to drive him from St. Petersburg to Fort Myers. When he arrived, William could not see the big “E” on the eye chart. Now, one day postoperatively, William’s vision is 20/25! He and I embraced, both of us with tears in our eyes, before he headed home. William now has a job, a home, and of great importance, renewed confidence in humanity and yes, HOPE. There are many stories just like William’s. So, when people ask me, I tell them that HOPE and a commitment to excellence is what Frantz EyeCare is really about. F O R E W O R D 2