Nurse Leader Volunteering Abroad
Dr. Jennifer Goodman, an associate director for patient care services at the VA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System, has dedicated her vacation time to volunteer as a bedside nurse. She collaborates with medical teams that provide complimentary vision care to communities in need around the globe.
In July 2026, Goodman traveled to Buca Bay, Fiji, where she worked alongside eye surgeons to perform over 70 cataract surgeries and conducted 150 eye examinations within a five-day period.
Understanding Cataract Surgery
Cataracts form when the clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, obstructing light and impairing vision. The surgical procedure involves removing the opaque lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens, effectively restoring the patient’s sight. This surgery typically lasts between 15 to 30 minutes, allowing light to reach the back of the eye unobstructed.
Renewed Passion for Healthcare
Goodman’s involvement with SEE International, a nonprofit organization that links medical professionals with communities requiring eye care, was inspired by her cousin, Air Force Veteran Dr. Randal Goodman. After experiencing burnout from her demanding clinical role during the pandemic, she decided to volunteer. “I took him up on the opportunity and was instantly hooked,” Goodman remarked, emphasizing how this experience reaffirmed her dedication to healthcare and veteran support.
Direct Patient Care Experience
This recent mission marked Goodman’s fourth international trip since 2022. Her responsibilities included ensuring patient consent forms were accurate, administering necessary medications, and conducting pre-surgery safety checks. During the surgeries, she assisted by preparing sterile instruments, providing tools to surgeons, and often offering comfort to patients.
“Occasionally, I provide handesthesia,” she humorously noted, referring to her role in holding patients’ hands during procedures to provide them reassurance.
Impact on Patients’ Lives
During her 2022 visit to Buca Bay, Goodman and her team operated on a father who had relied on his teenage son to help with work due to his cataracts. Following the surgery, this patient was able to work independently, allowing his son to return to school. The team also treated Fijian veterans who had served alongside American forces in Afghanistan, who proudly shared photographs from their time in service.
Adapting to Challenges Abroad
Each mission presents unique challenges, such as dwindling supplies, malfunctioning equipment, and language barriers. Goodman highlighted the need for adaptability, stating, “You have to be an agile thinker and caregiver.” She noted that the absence of specific tools often requires creative strategies to ensure patient safety.
These experiences abroad have enhanced her focus upon returning to Colorado. Goodman remarked on the significance of effective systems, communication, and the foundational aspects of patient safety, underscoring the vital role nurses play in ensuring safe care for patients.
Veterans experiencing vision loss can find specialized services through the Visual Impairment Services Team at the VA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
