Roy Lawrence, 49, of Los Angeles was diagnosed with cataracts at the To Help Everyone (T.H.E.) Clinic in January 2012, but he has waited nearly a year for eye surgery.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

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Lawrence struggles to read a text message on his phone after being diagnosed with cataracts at T.H.E. Clinic. "I want to see again," he said. "I've been waiting a long time."

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

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Lawrence, second from left, leans forward while playing dominoes with his friends in the courtyard of his home in South Los Angeles.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

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Lawrence waits for an update on his referral to an ophthalmologist, 10 months after being diagnosed with cataracts at T.H.E. Clinic in Los Angeles. The Jamaican immigrant arrived in the U.S. nearly 20 years ago to pick apples. His immigration status prevents him from getting health insurance or unemployment benefits.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

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Nurse practitioner Sandeep Lehil examines Lawrence at T.H.E. Clinic in August 2012. Lawrence and patients like him are posing a critical challenge for the planned overhaul of the nation's healthcare system.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

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Dr. David Hwang performs a routine eye exam on Lawrence during a follow-up appointment at T.H.E. Clinic in October 2012.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

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Dr. Simon Bababeygy, an ophthalmologist at Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center, examines Lawrence, whose vision has deteriorated so much that he is considered legally blind.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

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Lawrence waits in the ophthalmology department at County/USC. Because he has diabetes and cataracts, his vision has been worsening. Now, after an abnormal heart test, he has to see a cardiologist.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

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Lawrence can't work or drive, and he relies on others to cook meals to avoid burning himself.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

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Lawrence waits to get a date for cataract surgery. He had waited for nearly a year for word, then went to the emergency room and was referred to the ophthalmology department at County/USC.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=76341

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