Clinic Blog: 2012 India Clinic Blog
February 15, 2012
We helped 404 on our first day
By nrodriguez
Wow, what a ride it has been getting to this first day. The team made it to Delhi late Sunday evening and Monday morning. We stayed at the IBIS hotel overnight as we rested in preparation for the last leg of our trip. Caught a plane on Monday afternoon and here we are in Jodhpur. We are staying at the Water Habitat hotel which is a visual delight. Set up on a water reservoir with beautiful landscaped gardens and unusual architectural design.
We began our day with a delicious breakfast of American and Indian specialties to provide us with nourishment for our 2.5 hour drive to clinic and the day ahead. A welcoming ceremony awaited us as our bus arrived. We were received by a lovely group of young Indian women who painted a (Tilak) red mark on our foreheads and tied a (Moli) string on our wrists as a symbol of good luck.
Our clinic is set up on a school site, there are tented areas for reception, visual acuities, and dilation. The rest of the school rooms are set up for autorefraction, Dr. Lanes with NCT, IMS (computer systems) and picking. Then of course, spots for dispensing rx glasses , sun and readers.
Many recipients came in their colorful traditional clothing and head dress. 17% of them had pathology concerns such as cataracts and glaucoma. 404 of them received exam and glasses. We even dispensed a pr. of glasses to a 50 year old gentleman who had never owned glasses. His rx was over -10.00 in both eyes. He was hesitant at first and slowly started accepting the clear vision through his new glasses. The same was true for a young woman who came in with her small 3 year old daughter. She left with a pair of clear colored vogue frames and a +3.50 rx. The look on her face as she watched her young daughter play was heart wrenching.
We ended our day with our 2.5 hour bus ride back to the hotel. The hotel staff had set up a wonderful dinner ‘al fresco’ on one of the top floors of the hotel. It was decorated with red + white table cloths and lit with candles. The beauty of it warmed our hearts.
And,…speaking of the heart, we want to wish all of our loved ones back home a HAPPY VALENTINES DAY. We miss you and want you to know our hearts and thoughts are with you. Our team thanks you for allowing us to take time away from you to give this wonderful gift to the people of India.
7 Comments
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Amanda says:
Looking forward to reading about the India Clinic!
Posted on Wed Feb 15, 2012 8:34 am EST
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Barb Aspen says:
A special shout out to Jane and Laura….proud of you both…have a great time and thanks for your service to OneSight! B
Posted on Wed Feb 15, 2012 8:43 am EST
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doug says:
awesome…awesome…awesome!!! Counting down the days to being there myself. Have a great clinic. The work you are doing is truly inspiring!!
Posted on Wed Feb 15, 2012 9:05 am EST
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Amanda Pressley says:
Very excited for the team that is there and the experience that you guys are encountering. Darla, you are in my prayers…can’t wait to see pictures!
Posted on Wed Feb 15, 2012 9:12 am EST
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Christine says:
I can’t help but smile - inside and out - when reading about people seeing clearly for the first time. I remember getting glasses 25 years ago and first noticing the individual leaves on trees. God bless the work you are doing and each and every one of you!
Posted on Wed Feb 15, 2012 9:48 am EST
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Greg says:
It’s great to hear that 404 people can now see clearly as a result of this groups’ efforts, and that’s only day 1! Keep up the good work folks!
A special message for Vinita: Your puppy and I miss you. I know you’re doing great work helping many people. Sadie says “woof woof.”Posted on Wed Feb 15, 2012 2:15 pm EST
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Sheela says:
I am amazed at all the work all of you are doing.
Can’t wait to hear about all the miracles and smiles you have seen in Rajasthan.
Wishing the best of health for Vinita. We are praying for you.Posted on Wed Feb 15, 2012 8:43 pm EST