Since 2017, Scott Farrell, OD, has been a dedicated volunteer optometrist with Hope Alliance, providing free eye care to underserved communities both locally in Utah and internationally. However, his commitment to humanitarian work goes far beyond his involvement with the organization—it’s been the core of his professional life since 2008.
Farrell’s passion for helping others has taken him to remote villages in Guatemala, Mexico, and Uganda, as well as to local communities like Park City and Moab. His journey into this form of service has not only shaped his career but also transformed the lives of those he helps.
In 2008, Farrell made a pivotal decision to focus nearly full-time on humanitarian eye care. “I felt needed, and I felt that the work I was doing was really appreciated,” he recalls. “It started with one location, and over the years, I gradually expanded to ten. The more I did, the more I felt compelled to keep going. Eventually, it took up all my available time, but it didn’t feel like work—it felt like a calling.” For Farrell, the reward comes not just from helping others see clearly, but from the deep sense of fulfillment that accompanies giving people something they may have never had access to: the gift of sight.
Farrell has worked in numerous locations around the world, including Guatemala, Mexico, Uganda, and local events in Utah. His extensive travels have allowed him to experience both the universal need for vision care and the unique challenges each community faces. “The work I do is essentially the same everywhere,” he explains, “but in Spanish-speaking countries, it’s even more rewarding because I can communicate directly with the people I’m helping. There’s a deeper connection when you can speak their language, and that connection makes the work feel even more meaningful.”
Throughout his years of service, there have been countless moments that have deeply impacted him. “For me, it’s always about how I feel when I help someone, and how I see them feel when their life changes in an instant,” Farrell shares. “It’s not just about giving them glasses; it’s about how their outlook on life transforms when they can suddenly see clearly. Every person I help makes the next one worth my best effort.” Farrell has witnessed firsthand the joy of individuals who, for the first time, can see the faces of their loved ones clearly or read without strain. These moments are what keep him going, despite the many challenges of volunteer work.
“Helping people see clearly means so much more than just improving their vision,” he continues. “People ask me all the time why I keep going—why I spend my own time and money to do this work. I tell them, when people come back from a vacation, they feel rested. When I return from a humanitarian trip, I feel the same, but probably even more rested and rewarded. There’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing you’ve made a real difference in someone’s life.”
Farrell acknowledges the significant barriers to vision care that exist, especially in underserved communities. “Access to care is one of the biggest challenges,” he notes. “For so many people, it’s not just about finding a doctor—it’s about being able to afford the exam and glasses. For many, it’s simply not possible.” On top of that, Farrell often encounters patients who need treatments or surgeries, such as cataract operations, that are beyond his ability to provide. “Half of the trips I go on are eyeglass and cataract surgery trips. The joy, the tears, and the gratitude when people can see again—those moments make everything worth it.”
Despite these challenges, Farrell remains unwavering in his belief in the transformative power of vision care. “I’ve heard so many people say things like, ‘Now I can get my driver’s license,’ or ‘Now I can go back to school,’ or ‘Tomorrow I’ll be able to apply for a job,’” he explains. “It’s incredible how something as simple as a pair of glasses can open up so many possibilities for someone. The rewards of good vision are endless, and for many, the fix is so simple and inexpensive.”
Farrell’s work with Hope Alliance has reinforced his commitment to the cause, and he encourages other optometrists to consider joining the organization. “I’d love to see more optometrists, opticians, and ophthalmologists get involved,” he says. “Whether locally or internationally, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience. Helping others not only blesses their lives, but it blesses yours too. It’s a fulfilling way to make a real difference.”
But Farrell also believes that there’s more to be done to ensure that everyone, no matter where they live, has access to the vision care they need. “If we don’t do it, who will?” he asks. “There’s a huge need for vision care across the globe, and we all have a part to play in meeting that need. Whether you can give your time, talent, or financial resources, every little bit helps. I always tell people: wear out your shoes in service to others.”
Farrell’s dedication to vision care goes hand-in-hand with his own personal values and his commitment to family and faith. He is a graduate of the Southern California College of Optometry and has spent more than 20 years in hospital care in Southern California. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys playing golf, fishing, and, of course, watching basketball. But above all, he cherishes his role as a father to three children.
When asked what he would want people to understand about the importance of vision care, especially for those in need, Farrell’s response is simple: “It costs so little to help so many. Whether you give your time, talent, or financial resources, you can make a tremendous impact. If you can’t give those things, give love. Everyone can help in some way. There’s always something you can do to make a difference.”
Through his work with Hope Alliance and beyond, Scott Farrell continues to change lives by giving the gift of sight. His selfless commitment serves as a powerful reminder that small acts of service can lead to profound, life-changing outcomes. Whether you’re an optometrist, a donor, or someone simply looking for a way to give back, Farrell’s story shows that anyone can be a part of making the world a clearer place.
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