Social Vision’s goal is to improve the health and well-being of the community of Cuenca by providing necessary medical treatment to disadvantaged people who need it most.
Assessment of Needs
Social Vision has conducted a thorough assessment of needs to better understand the specific medical demands of the population in Cuenca.
Anita had dual eye surgery at Exilaser
Identifying Priority Areas
Social Vision has determined which medical services are most urgently needed in Cuenca. These services include orthopedic and traumatology, vision, neurology for children and adults, pediatrics, geriatrics, cardiac care, dental services, dermatology, pharmacy, and physical therapy.
Dr. Ivan Vallejo treating an orthopedic patient.
Patient being treated for suddent onset blindness at Exilaser and a local woman getting her medications filled at the pharmacy.
Resource Allocation
Social Vision allocates its resources effectively to address identified needs. This involves securing funding, medical supplies, equipment, and voluntary staffing.
Samantha has an untreatable condition that causes full-body boils, loss of teeth, and hair loss. See was seen by Dra. Yadia Tapia of Aqua Comprehensive Center for Health and Aesthetics.
Social Vision is working to coordinate her rare condition with United States Medical Practitioners.
Fostering Relationships With Healthcare Facilities
Social Vision has partnered with some of the best healthcare facilities throughout Cuenca. These facilities primarily include Monte Sinai, Exilaser, CIMA, Clinica Latino, Hospital Del Rio, and PhysioGym.
Collaboration with Local Organizations
Social Vision works closely with community-based organizations to coordinate efforts, share resources, and maximize impact.
Collaborations with Monte Sinai
GRACE
San Sebas Cafe
Monitoring and Evaluation
Social Vision continuously monitors the needs of medical services within our community to assess effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Feedback is collected from patients and stakeholders to ensure that services are meeting the needs of the community.
Social vision has collaborated with a local school for a mental health art project with famed artist Martin Skillz
Provided life saving medical tests
Helped evaluate and treat chronic medical problems
Adaptation and Flexibility
Social Vision is continually adding medical and social service specialists to our care team to reassess priorities and adjust strategies accordingly
Ian is in treatment at Exilaser to correct his eye defect
Rosa had life altering cataract surgery
Ana Cristina had life saving surgery at Clinica Latino with Dr. Andres Astudillo
Diverse Board Members
Social Vision has a distinct board of directors from both Ecuador and the United States to bring a range of perspectives, expertise, and experiences to better serve our community.
- Cultural Perspective: Board members from Ecuador and the United States offer differing cultural perspectives, which can be invaluable when making decisions that affect a diverse community.
- Global Experience: Members from the United States may bring insights and experiences from a larger, more mixed market, while members from Ecuador can provide a deep understanding of local customs, traditions, and challenges.
- Network Expansion: Having board members from different countries can expand Social Vision’s network, opening opportunities for partnerships, collaborations, and funding sources both locally and internationally.
- Innovation and Creativity: Varying perspectives can lead to more innovative and creative solutions to problems, as different viewpoints challenge assumptions and encourage out-of-the-box thinking.
- Language Skills: Social Vision operates in both English and Spanish-speaking communities, having board members who are fluent in both languages can facilitate communication and outreach efforts.
- Broader Skill Set: Each board member brings a unique skill set and expertise, whether it's in finance, law, marketing, or community development. By combining these skills from both Ecuador and the United States, Social Vision has created a well-rounded team capable of addressing various aspects of our mission.
Social Vision’s Board of Directors
Jim and Jennifer Cory
Board Members and Founders
Jim and Jennifer's story is one of resilience and adaptability. They met in high school in California and have been married for 40 years. They raised three children and have five grandchildren. Jim was a Union Electrician in San Francisco. Jennifer got the luxury of being a stay at home mom. Jim's career was derailed by a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease at age 45. Despite this challenge, they found a new path and decided to retire in Cuenca.
Living in Cuenca offers them the opportunity to immerse themselves in a different culture and help the community that has been so welcoming to them.
Their story highlights the significance of embracing change and making the most out of life's transitions, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, there are opportunities for new beginnings and fulfillment.
Brian Hitsky
Treasurer and Board Member
Brian Hitsky, a seven-year Cuenca resident, serves as Treasurer for Social Vision. Brian worked as an executive for two mayors in Michigan, has an extensive background as a reporter and editor, and served as public relations director for an NBA basketball team. He has previously been employed with Wells Fargo bank. He also tutors English to youngsters and is on the advisory board for Hearts of Gold.
Roberto Mora
Board Member
Owner of the best restaurant in Cuenca -
El Mercado Restaurant
Roberto has been invaluable in getting our nonprofit status in Ecuador and advising us about Ecuadorian protocols.
Harshita Madhan
Board Member
Harshita Madhan is a high school student in California who is passionate about helping others. She is on her way to becoming a doctor herself! Harshita is hardworking and persistent and brings a youthful angle to the team.
Social Vision’s Board of Directors
Wes Elliott
Board Member
Wes Elliott (aka Wes the Mentalist) landed in Ecuador on his birthday in 2021. His heart for helping people has extended to Wes the Mentalist charity gigs for various groups, the donations approaching $10,000. Additionally, he assists at Cuenca Soup Kitchen events and serves as an Ambassador associated with Cuenca Expats magazine. In his off time he enjoys karaoke, biking through the city and surrounding mountains, Azuay Community Theater productions, open mic events and a permanent unplugged guitar offering on Sunday mornings at No’madas, at Calle Larga and Padre Aguirre.
Amy Albornaz
Board Member
Amy Albornoz Santelli was born in Seattle, WA on Aug. 11, 1978. She is half Ecuadorian and half Italian, which makes her a great fit for Social Vision’s diversified board of directors. She has traveled back and forth to the USA from Ecuador since she was 13. Happily married, Amy and her husband Andrés have no human kids, but plenty of animals such as dogs, cats and horses.
Amy is a real estate agent and facilitator. She considers herself a people and animal lover person, who always tries to give her very best to everyone who needs help or assistance. She is very excited to become part of the Social Visión family, as Amy shares the same interest, love, care and compassion towards those in need.
Social Vision’s Honorary Board of Directors
Social Vision is heartbroken to announce the passing of Ray and Linda Lewis, our cherished friends, and long-standing Board Members. Ray and Linda's enduring dedication and insightful guidance have been the backbone of Social Vision since its inception. Their presence will be profoundly missed in our community.
April 2024
Rest in peace dear friends.
Ray and Linda Lewis
Honorary Board Members
Ray Lewis retired in 2008 after an extensive career in business and financial communications. After working in an Apple store for a few years to satisfy his inner geek, he and his wife Linda moved to Cuenca in 2013, and have recently applied for Ecuadorean citizenship.
Linda’s career has been varied. Assistant buyer for a fashion boutique; dealer for blackjack, craps, roulette, and chemin de fer; stock broker; vice president on Wall Street; and trainer for the TSA.
Social Vision’s Nonprofit Status
Social Vision is a registered nonprofit in both the United States and Ecuador.
United States Phone Number:
+1 (650) 644-0612
Tax ID: 88-3423654
Ecuador Phone Number:
+593 093 998 7282
RUC: 0195117950001
Social Vision
Social Media Accounts
Website: http://www.socialvisioncuenca.org
Email: socialvisioncuenca@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/socialvisioncuenca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialvisioncuenca/
Dr. Ivan Vallejo
Social Vision Medical Director
President of the Azuay Orthopedic and Traumatology Society.
Dra. Nataly Torres - Exilaser
Pediatric Ophthalmologist
Studied at the University of Azuay, Cuenca
and Hospital Metropolitano, Quito
Social Vision Medical Team
Dr. Giuseppe Miotto - Exilaser
Past President Pan American Association of Ocular Trauma (APTO)
Current President Ecuadorian Society of Ophthalmology.
Dra. Margarita Aveiga- Neurologist
Clinical Neurologist with subspecialty in movement disorders. Graduated from the University of Sao Paulo-Brazil.
Dr. Diego Torres - Exilaser
Dr. Torres completed his medical studies in Cuenca - Ecuador
His extensive experience and his work in various
institutions in the city and the country
have made his name a milestone in local ophthalmology.
Dra. Yadira Tapia - Dermotologist
Aqua Comprehensive Center for Health and Aesthetics
social vision - Volunteer “Angels”
Angeles- Pharmacy
Claudia Tonon Zamora - Social Worker
Exilaser
Laura - Pharmacy
social vision - the beginning
- Social Vision was founded by Jim and Jennifer Cory and Dr. Ivan Vallejo on July 26, 2022.
- We carefully selected a team of the most amazing doctors in Cuenca. Doctors who truly CARE.
- We brought together some of the most dedicated and thoughtful minds in Ecuador and the United States to create our Board of Directors.
- The Board of Directors are all volunteers. We also have some "Angels" that volunteer their time to help as well. All of your donations go directly to helping the people of Cuenca.
Make a donation to Social Vision
Crea
Social Vision
Account #19122033
socialvisioncuenca@gmail.com
RUC 0195117950001
Wells Fargo Bank
Social Vision
Account # 2107036374
socialvisioncuenca@gmail.com
Social Vision in the Media
Dr. Hugo Calle Galán, Monte Sinai President, Dr. Ivan Vallejo, Medical Director
Ing. Jorge Méndez, Dra. Margarita Aveiga, Neurologist and Jim Cory, President and Founder
Dr. Ivan Vallejo, Jennifer Cory, Secretary and Founder, Jim Cory, President and Founder
Dr. Ivan Vallejo, Jennifer Cory, Secretary and Founder,
Jim Cory, President and Founder and Teddy, Social Vision's Mascot
doctors
sOCIAL VISION EXPAT REFERRALS - cuenca
Dr. Ivan Vallejo - Orthopedics/Traumatology 099 894 3825
Dra. Margarita Aveiga - Neurologist 098 490 1313
Dr. Guillermo Lopez - Pain Management/Anesthesiology 098 397 0689
Dr. Carlos Arias - Neurosurgeon 099 440 8705
Dr. Andrés Astudillo - Bariatric Surgery 099 446 0499
doctors
dentists &
Cleanings
sOCIAL VISION EXPAT REFERRALS - Cuenca page 2
Dra. Yadira Tapia - Dermatology 096 132 7797
Dra. Marina Rodríguez - Gynecology/Obstetrics 098 499 5967
Exilaser
Total Eye Services - from glasses to cornea transplants
072811103
Physical Therapy
Isabel Puyol - Physiogym - 98 878 1364
Implaesthetic 099 861 6306
Experts in implants and veneers
Dental Tourism in Ecuador
Holly Brouker- broukerh@yahoo.com
Dra. Maité Depreeuw
Medical Doctor
098 212 3992
Veterinarians
pharmacy
home health care
sOCIAL VISION EXPAT REFERRALS - Cuenca page 3
Veterinaria Archinegas -098 939 0558
A full-service veterinarian office with specialty doctors, including a
pharmacy and grooming services
Dra. Cristina Bernal - Veterinarian Orthopedic Surgeon
She performed Teddy’s knee surgery!
Roberto Benavides
Eloy Alfaro Famacia - 099 563 2090
Roberto can get most US medicines
Competent, compassionate care in your home.
Poulin, VIP’s Care Supervisor
For Emergencies: Call 098 329 8243
https://vipcuenca.com/
misc. services
Social Vision has all of our hats made at:
Grama
Graciela Guevara
Tarqu 11-21 y Lamar
098 309 2060
rgracielaguevara@gmail.com
Real estate
sales
Real estate
rentals
facilitator
Passport & visa Service
sOCIAL VISION EXPAT REFERRALS - cuenca page 4
sOCIAL VISION EXPAT REFERRALS - cuenca page 5
New Century Planning Associates, Inc.
REGISTER INVESTMENT ADVISOR
+1-732-702-2777
A very special thank you to
new century planning associates, inc
for their very generous donation to social vision!
we appreciate you!
sOCIAL VISION EXPAT REFERRALS - cuenca page 6
Ed Lindquist - Managing Partner
For sales information please contact: (Para información de ventas por favor contactar:)
Yenis Bejas (Spanish Speaker)
096 279 4098
Cuenca Expats Magazine is the largest English-language publication in Ecuador. Half (10,000) of all native English-speaking expats live in Cuenca. As the “unofficial” voice of Cuenca’s expat community, the magazine is a trusted source for business and services. Cuenca Expats Magazine’s mission is to help build a stronger, more cohesive expat community and assist in their integration into Cuenca society as new and productive citizens.
Delivering critical medication and necessary gloves to public hospitals
Imagine a public hospital system on the brink of a crisis. A life-saving antibiotic, Meropenem, was desperately low on supplies. Patients were at risk, and hope was fading fast.
Social Vision, an organization dedicated to making a difference, sprang into action. We knew we had to get this vital medication to the hospitals that desperately needed it. And we were determined to do it as quickly and efficiently as possible.
With the help of our trusted partners at Monte Sinai Pharmacy, we secured a generous supply of Meropenem at an affordable price. In just a matter of days, we had the first shipment ready to go. It was delivered to the Hospital del Niño y la Mujer in Cuenca, a facility serving some of the most vulnerable patients in the community.
But we didn't stop there. Social Vision has been working tirelessly for nearly two years to bring our Founders Service Dog, Teddy, into the hospitals as a comfort dog. And finally, after receiving permission from the Mayor's office, Teddy made his official debut.
The reaction was overwhelming. Patients and staff alike welcomed Teddy with open arms, providing a much-needed morale boost in the face of such a challenging time. Teddy's presence brought a sense of calm and joy to the hospital, reminding everyone that even in the darkest of circumstances, there is always hope.
And there's more. Social Vision is also providing essential medical gloves this hospital and hopes to include other hospital as well. In a system desperately in need of funding, these supplies make a world of difference. The hospital staff is incredibly grateful for our support, knowing that it will help them continue providing critical care to those in need.
This is the kind of work that Social Vision is all about. We believe in the power of compassion, the importance of hope, and the potential to make a real difference in people's lives. And with the support of caring individuals like yourself, we can continue to be there for those who need us most.
So, how can you get involved? There are so many ways to support our mission. You can make a donation, and share our story with your friends and family. Every little bit helps, and together we can keep the hope alive for so many struggling patients in Cuenca and beyond.
Let's make a difference, together. Join us at Social Vision today.
Perros de Esperanza
Perros de Esperanza (Dogs of Hope)
Jim Cory, our President, has been tirelessly working on a comfort dog program in Cuenca. It took more than a year, but his service dog Teddy was the first dog approved by the mayor to start our program. Perros de Esperanza now has 30+ handlers/dog volunteers visiting local hospitals, nursing homes, and centers for handicapped children. Comfort dogs are standard procedure in the United States, but unheard of in Cuenca. This program is a huge hit, bringing smiles and comfort to many.
The reaction to Perros de Esperanza has been overwhelming. Patients and staff alike welcomed our dogs with open arms, providing a much-needed morale boost in the face of such a challenging time. The presence of dogs in these environments has brought a sense of calm and joy, reminding everyone that even in the darkest of circumstances, there is always hope.
