A Bright New Day in Chuuk

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Dr. Ray Hardy and his wife Krissy Hardy spend most of their days at Summit Family Eyecare in Bend, Oregon, USA.

In response to their awareness of a lack of basic eye care globally, the couple founded Bright Eyes, Bright Future in 2017, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing vision services in underserved areas around the world.

“Our first clinics were held in Peru in 2018, and we were hooked!” exclaimed the founders. “It is incredibly fulfilling to watch someone smile as they see the world clearly through their first pair of glasses.”

Since that first Clinic in Peru, they have continued to provide free clinics, which are only possible because of donors and volunteers. Although the organization is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, many of the participants, including all the optometrists, are BYU Alumni. 

Recently, the organization, along with 17 volunteers, brought eye care services to Chuuk, within the Federated States of Micronesia. They coordinated with local leaders to find locations for the clinics. In addition to schools, the organization was able to use the hospital on Weno, and a community center operated by the Chuuk Women’s Council, as well as the Romanum LDS chapel for their clinics.

Church missionaries have been vital in every country they have visited, often translating for patients during the clinics. Lawson and Ava Duce were essential on this trip. They speak Chuukese and were vital in planning and organizing the clinics.

Focusing on children, Bright Eyes, Bright Future conducted 5 eye clinics in 5 days on the islands of Romanum, Weno, Tol and Udot. They administered 480 eye exams. A total of 290 Patients received prescription eyeglasses, and 400 pairs of sunglasses were distributed during the 2025 clinics.

“We have seen the positive impact the eye care clinics have brought to the people of Chuuk, and plan to return in the future. In addition to international clinics, we want to support children in our own communities,” Krissy Hardy said. “Letting others know about the work we do is important to us. Volunteers of all ages have joined the clinics. When teens volunteer, it can impact their lives as well as those they serve.”

“Even though the people said that they had nothing to offer us but their thanks, they gave us so much more than that. They gave us their love, their warm welcome to their beautiful islands, and the humble sincerity of their hearts. They are a wonderfully happy people from a magical place, and a piece of my heart will remain there forever.” Marlan Harris, Brooks, AB, CANADA

"Even more amazing than the miracle of helping people see was the chance to connect with people. Their lives are different from ours but they are children of God and being able to connect with them through smiles, laughs and simple chuukese phrases reminded me that the most important things in our lives are the people around us and the connections we have with them.” Kate Hardy, Redmond, OR, USA

“Bright Eyes coming to Chuuk was the best thing that happened in our community! Getting his glasses was the happiest day for him! He was able to see…finally!! Thank you!!” Achlynn Engichy, Chuuk, FSM, Mother of an 8-year-old patient

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