Title: The Gift Of Sight Author: Christian Garcia Like many, I have worn glasses since I was 3 years old. But, even with glasses I have had limited sight. When I was in school I struggled because it was difficult to read either from the board or a book. I’ve always had to bring things very close to my eyes in order to see them. This has hindered my options for a very long time. A lifelong dream of mine has been to become a firefighter but my limited vision makes me ineligible. Until recently I was a volunteer firefighter since the qualification to serve as a volunteer doesn’t include good uncorrected vision. My vision has also kept me from serving in the military; in 2006 I was disqualified due to my vision. My driving is restricted to daylight hours which make getting to work on third shift a challenge. Despite the additional challenge my vision creates I continue to work and I plan to take classes in January at Black Hawk college. Improving my sight through Lasik would be a life changing event. Life with better vision is an opportunity to fulfill my dream of helping others as a firefighter. Even if I had to pursue another career my options would be so much greater with the Gift of Sight.