By Pablo Barrera / images of archive, Pablo Barrera 

QUETZALTENANGO – With the firm purpose of decentralizing high-quality ophthalmological care and bringing specialized services to the inhabitants of southwestern Guatemala, Visualiza consolidates its presence in Quetzaltenango. Strategically located at 6ta. Calle 15-19, Zone 3, the hospital stands as a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of eye pathologies, combining cutting-edge technology with a comprehensive care model.

Comprehensive Care in a Single Location

The Visualiza Xela Clinic has been designed to offer an efficient experience focused on patient well-being. Its facilities integrate ophthalmological medical consultations, optometry for refraction and prescription testing, as well as a specialized pharmacy and a full-service optical shop. This structure allows patients to receive a timely diagnosis and obtain their treatment or corrective lenses all in one place.

Dr. Anuard Suazo, ophthalmologist and anterior segment subspecialist at Visualiza, highlights the importance of the available infrastructure: "We have a wide variety of diagnostic studies to achieve precise detections. Our goal is for every person to receive a personalized evaluation tailored to their specific needs, facilitating access to complementary services without the need to travel elsewhere."

Innovation and Telemedicine: Breaking Geographical Barriers

One of the pillars of this location is the implementation of telemedicine services. This tool allows patients from Quetzaltenango and surrounding departments to access consultations with subspecialists based in Guatemala City, eliminating the need for long and costly trips.

"Telemedicine helps us reduce costs and travel time for the patient, facilitating the continuity of their treatments," explains Dr. Suazo. "Our mission is to reach those remote areas where access to an ophthalmologist has historically been difficult. This service is a new successful initiative to decentralize eye health in the country."

Social Commitment and Prevention

Beyond clinical care, Visualiza maintains an active social outreach through weekly ophthalmological campaigns. A multidisciplinary team of doctors and optometrists travels to various communities to identify patients, provide treatments, and facilitate access to free surgeries for those in greatest need.

Dr. Suazo issued an urgent call for prevention, noting that in Guatemala, 98% of blindness cases are preventable. Symptoms that the population should not ignore include:

•   Blurred vision or the presence of fixed black spots.
•   Perception of shadows in the visual field (possible signs of retinal issues).
•   Cloudy vision in older adults (an indication of cataracts).

"Cataracts are a condition that will affect most people after age 60. You shouldn't let your vision worsen; the longer you wait, the more complex the surgery becomes," the specialist warns.

Service Information

The Visualiza Xela Clinic operates on a first-come, first-served basis during the following hours:

•  Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
•  Saturdays: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

For more information regarding services or health campaigns, interested parties can call 7763-5993, which also offers WhatsApp support for faster communication.

About Visualiza

With a 20-year trajectory in the country, Visualiza is the leading eye health center in Guatemala. It boasts more than thirteen vision centers and four ophthalmological hospitals nationwide, backed by high-level professionals and advanced technology. Its mission remains transforming lives through efficient and accessible services that improve the quality of life for all Guatemalans.