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Vroman likes giving back, advocates  ‘gift of sight’ by Cindy Abole Public Relations Like many health care practitioners, ophthalmologist and refractive eye surgeon David T. Vroman, M.D., balances work with acts of charity throughout the year. Whenever it’s possible, Vroman reaches out to continually give back to others in the community through his time or professional expertise. Dr. David Vroman, attending physician at Magill Laser Center, with Victor Dawkes, whose winning bid at the Riverdogs Silent Auction provided him LASIK surgery for vision correction. Proceeds from his procedure will help fund retina research at the eye institute. Vroman, a cornea, cataract and refractive surgeon who serves as statewide medical director of South Carolina's Lifepoint Eye Bank,  completed his ophthalmology residency and served as chief resident at MUSC Storm Eye Institute in the late 1990s.  Since returning to MUSC, Vroman has been an active participant and volunteer working with Lowcountry groups such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Camp Happy Days and Special Times and Crisis Ministries.  Earlier this fall, Vroman offered his services on behalf of SEI’s Magill Laser Center as part of the Aug. 26 Charleston Riverdogs Baseball Silent Auction to provide laser vision correction to a lucky winner. Mount Pleasant’s Victor Dawkes gave the winning bid and he received Lasik which has provided him with 20/20 vision in both eyes.  According to Vroman, Dawkes had considered laser corrective surgery but never had the time. He placed the bid, knowing it was for a good cause and was thrilled with the outcome. Proceeds from the auction were donated to an SEI fund to promote retina research. In addition to his charity work, Vroman is statewide medical director of the S.C. Lifepoint Eye Bank, a program established in 1957 and entrusted in the procurement, process and distribution of donated eye tissue for transplant, research and education. He helps ensure that only safe, healthy corneas are available to patients who need them. Vroman also spends time promoting eye health and awareness, while advocating the benefits of corneal transplants for people with severe vision problems from corneal disease. He has spoken on the local, state and national level to promote corneal donations. Within the U.S., more than 49,000 corneal transplants are performed annually. Approximately 500 corneas are donated and prepared each year for transplantation in South Carolina. In 1999, about 13,000 corneas and other eye tissue were exported, often at no charge, from U.S. eye banks to international countries, thus giving sight to others. According to Vroman, donation is extremely important for everyone to consider. The gift of sight can be life altering and depends on those willing to consider donation. “It’s a great feeling to be involved and help people improve their lives through the gift of sight,” Vroman said, of his volunteer activity and work with laser corrective surgery or corneal transplants.  “Dr. Vroman has always placed the needs of his patients and the community first. He is the type of physician we would all want for ourselves and our family. In addition, he is doing pioneering work to make corneal transplants safer and more successful,” said Edward Wilson, M.D., Storm Eye Institute director. Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.