For Dr. Cathy Schanzer, providing eye care in Africa became a commitment measured in decades.
Her institute credits the ophthalmologist with more than 10,000 eye operations across her African mission work. With her husband, Tom Lewis, she also helped establish a permanent clinic in Serabu, Sierra Leone, where patients could receive care without being charged.
Schanzer died on June 4, 2025, aged 73. The clinic is part of the work she left behind.
From visiting missions to a permanent clinic
According to the Schanzer Eye Institute, her first African mission trip was to Nigeria in 1988.
The couple later developed Southern Eye Clinic of Serabu with support from Catholic Mission of Sierra Leone, which contributed land and a building. The clinic opened on January 7, 2006.
The institute says it provides examinations, medicines, glasses and eye surgery free of charge. It describes a continuing operation supported by local employees, visiting surgeons and satellite clinics.
The 10,000-plus figure refers to Schanzer’s eye operations in Africa over her career, rather than a count confined to Serabu or a guarantee that every operation restored sight.
A commitment shared with others
An October 2023 report from the Diocese of Scranton described patients traveling from seven West African countries for care.
It also described volunteer students helping teach children in Serabu, illustrating how the couple’s connections with the community extended beyond surgery.
By then, Schanzer had been diagnosed with brain cancer. Lewis explained that relationships with other ophthalmologists meant future mission trips were already staffed, allowing her to participate as her health permitted.
Work that continued after her death
The institute’s account says twelve surgeons volunteered to continue serving the clinic after Schanzer asked doctors who had worked with her to help cover her absence. Lewis continued overseeing operations.
That continuity gives her story a practical legacy. A visiting doctor’s commitment helped become an institution that other people could sustain.
Her contribution was substantial, and so was the collaboration around it: her husband, local staff, medical volunteers, community partners and supporters all helped make the clinic possible.
Sources: Schanzer Eye Institute and the Diocese of Scranton’s October 12, 2023 Catholic Light report.