Our 2014 surgery mission is taking place from May 10 - 19 at the National Hospital in Cojutepeque. I'm not there this time, so I was thrilled that our good friend and most generous volunteer, Rossy Melara, posted photos from the mission on her FaceBook page.
That's Darren, our PazSalud Coordinator, on the left; Rossy is in the middle, with Bruce and Terry on the right. And here's a photo from inside the surgery suite:
I should be able to post more info about the week on Monday, when Darren and Kathy will have a bit more time. This week, I know from five years' experience, they are completely absorbed in making sure that everything is done just right and in dealing with all the unexpected events that are sure to happen.
The patients this week were recommended for cataract surgery (or in a few cases to have pterygiums, growths from the conjunctiva, removed) by the examining optometrist. Usually we only have patients from our General Medical Mission, held in San Pedro Perulapán, about a half hour's drive from the hospital, but this year we also have a number of patients from Estanzuelas who were recommended during a Bellingham Lions Eye Screening Mission. This year marks an important first for us: for the first time, our surgeons will be using a Phaco Emulsifier - the equipment most often used for cataract surgeries in the U.S. - for many of the surgeries.
Stay tuned for more news from the mission!
No comments:
Post a Comment