COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – (Sept. 23, 2025) – Cookeville Eye Specialists (CES) announced two local winners of their first LASIK for Heroes campaign. The campaign honors everyday community heroes, including first responders, health care workers and active military members, by providing a free bilateral LASIK procedure. Recipients were nominated by the public and selected by a panel of judges. Thanks to the overwhelming support from the local community, Dr. DeNaro and Cookeville Eye expanded their campaign commitment by providing two surgeries to deserving local heroes instead of just one.
Firefighter and paramedic, Brian Garrett, and US Army Veteran and elementary school nurse, Julia Rodgers, received free LASIK surgery performed by Dr. Brittany DeNaro, a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained anterior segment specialist at CES known for her clinical expertise and patient-centered approach to advanced surgical eye care.
“It was an incredible honor to provide LASIK surgery to these individuals through our LASIK for Heroes campaign,” said Dr. Denaro. “Our community’s heroes give so much of themselves and helping them achieve clearer vision is truly one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.”
The LASIK for Heroes campaign is a community-driven initiative that offers the public a chance to recognize and give back to those individuals who consistently go above and beyond to serve the community, whether through first response, education, military service or other acts of commitment. This year’s campaign ran from May 15 to June 30, and winners were announced on July 7.
“From the very first day I walked into the office, I was treated like a longtime family friend,” said Brian Garrett. “I’m so appreciative of Dr. Denaro and the entire Cookeville Eye Specialists team for this incredible life-changing experience.”
“Winning the LASIK Hero contest has truly been such a blessing in my life,” said Julia Rodgers. “I am so grateful to Dr. Denaro and her staff.”
Before LASIK, Brian Garrett wore glasses and contact lenses. Both presented challenges in his line of work as a firefighter and paramedic for the City of Knoxville and the City of Crossville. Julia Rodgers also struggled with glasses and contact lenses as a military veteran and school nurse, explaining she was constantly having to adjust her glasses and tearing her contacts. Today, both Brian and Julia can see clearly and go about their daily lives without the vision challenges they once faced, a life-changing gift for two deserving community heroes.
CES is dedicated to advancing vision care while honoring those who selflessly serve and uplift the community. The LASIK for Heroes campaign is just one part of these efforts, and it continues to better the lives of everyday Tennessee heroes, providing them with the gift of improved vision year after year.
To learn more about Cookeville Eye Specialists or to schedule a LASIK consultation, visit www.cookevilleeye.com.
