EAST AURORA N.Y. (WKBW) — The Buffalo strong spirit is going to the Caribbean to supply eye exams and dental care. Local doctors say they are working to take people's pain away and help them see the world a bit better.
"I can give someone a contact lens and they can instantly see better," Optometrist Ashley Shzalkowski said. "I can give someone a pair of glasses and it literally changes their lives like right there."
Shzalkowski is the owner of Guild Eyewear Studio. She said helping her community see is fulfilling. That's exactly why she is partnering with Cornerstone Periodontics and Dental Implants to travel to the Dominican Republic.
"We're going to take care of them. Do whatever they need - with fillings or dental extractions," Doctor Roger Anderson said.
He practices at Cornerstone Periodontics and Dental Implants. Anderson has made this trip to the Dominican Republic before. He said having the ability to relieve pain, and supply medical care to improve lives - all for free - is life changing.
"There's one where we brought some shoes to these kids and we were literally tying their shoes laces. And this is the first shoes they've ever had on before ever," he said. "And some of those memories stick with you. You realize there's so much more that can be done."
Looking for a way to help or donate? Contact:
- Cornerstone Periodontics and Dental Implants
- (716) 626-4427
- East Amherst Medical Park
6489 Transit Rd
East Amherst, NY 14051
- Guild Eyewear Studio
- (716) 714-9777
- 48 Douglas Ln East Aurora, NY 14052
Both doctors are looking for donations that include shoes, glasses and more.
"To be in a position where you can help other people to be able to provide services to be able to provide them with glasses is just incredibly fulfilling," Shzalkowski said.
The doctors will leave for the Dominican in March on a journey to bring the Buffalo strong spirit 16-hundred miles away.
