May 23, 2012

One Day at a time

By lisab

Today is Wednesday and word of mouth is as we all know a very  strong advertising tool. Everyday when we arrive at clinic after our 30 minute bus ride which is thankfully air conditioned but definitely not a smooth ride there are masses of Gambians waiting anxiously for us to get there and begin the process of helping them see. When locals find out from their friends, family and neighbors that we are here and providing such an amazing service that would take them many months to make enough Dalasi ($) to be able to afford and still they would not have the availability or the quality of product or care that we are providing. So as clinic gets nearer to the end more people show up just hoping for a chance to be able to see us. This is why the Sustainability Clinic that we are creating is so important to The Gambia. When we leave here the students we have spent this week training will carry on and continue to help the Gambian people with their vision and our hope is that they will also take the time to teach those that are younger so that it goes on and on.

We have seen more adults than children during our time here but today the children that we did see were mostly extreme cases of very poor vision. Alix was on visual acuities today and found a six year old girl Brinta who she thought was unable to understand the test, she went from there to auto refracting and they were unable to get readings there as well. Dr. Karen took over from there and by using the lenses in the phoropter in 3 diopter increments was very pleased to find that at -12.00 she was able to see. This for those of you who are not the eye business basically means she can only see about 3 inches in front of her face. Dr Karen knew that she was very scared and wanted to make sure she felt comfortable during the rest of her clinic experience . I was able to make her a -6.00 set of Chabellas which is  in many ways perfect. She will have a soft introduction into being able to see better and Chabellas are glasses I was able to put together in 10 minutes and send her out to her grandmother who had been waiting patiently outside. I went to the doorway to make sure she was walking okay and not misstepping and saw the most beautiful smile come across her face as she greeted her grandmother and could actually see her. I believe Brinta as well as Karen and the rest of us who experienced her first moment of truly seeing will forever remember today and how special it made us all feel.

Mes sentiments: 

Dans cette mission je vois beaucoup d enfants qui ont des problemes aux yeux, plus que dans les 2 autres missions que j ai faites. Problemes d allergies, problemes de strabismes, aveugles d un oeil... Je suis tres touchée de voir autant d enfant dans cet etat la, car ce Sont des problemes qui chez nous pourraient être soigné et qui ici peuvent devenir un vrai handicap dans leur vie future. J espere pour eux que l on pourra les aider le plus possible.... Claire

Scott and the gang RAPPIN in the Gambia
One of our youngest patients at clinic 3 1/2 year old Owa received a +3.00 and hopefully will be a much happier baby with good vision.
Dr Karen and Brinta seeing for the first time

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8 Comments

  1. Michael David Archuleta says:

    This entry brought a tear to my eye!!! You guys are doing AMAZING things!

    Posted on Wed May 23, 2012 9:24 pm EST

  2. Connie Stang says:

    Brought a tear to mine as well, and I will say the same, you are all doing an amazing job there, will be sad to say goodbye I’m sure

    Posted on Wed May 23, 2012 10:16 pm EST

  3. Gout Dalila says:

    Hello team of Gambia,

    a thought while passing I kiss you and.

    I wish you much courage.

    One dédicasse special in Claire and Scott.

    Profit a maximum and one counts on you to be very operational.

    Dalila from Nice in France

    Posted on Thu May 24, 2012 7:44 am EST

  4. Gout Dalila says:

    Hello team of Gambia,

    a thought while passing I kiss you and.

    I wish you much courage.

    One dédicasse special in Claire and Scott.

    Profit a maximum and one counts on you to be very operational.

    Dalila from Nice in France

    Posted on Thu May 24, 2012 7:53 am EST

  5. Estelle PIRES says:

    Hey Team Gambia!!!!!

    Luxottica France is with you in this clinic!!!
    Congratulation for the good job.
    We are we are One sight!!!!!!!!
    Coucou spécial à Claire!!!!
    Good luck for all
    Estelle From France

    Posted on Thu May 24, 2012 7:58 am EST

  6. Barry w says:

    GOOD MORNING TEAM GAMBIA
    it sounds like you are really helping the people of Gambia .
    The story of Brinta is what Onesight is all about.
    They go the extra mile to help someOne out.
    Keep u the great work team.
    SAFE TRAVELS HOME TEAM GAMBIA.
    U R PERFORMING MIRACLES

    Posted on Thu May 24, 2012 8:32 am EST

  7. Claudia DR- Italy says:

    Hello Team Gambia!
    You are doing a great job!
    A special hug to LisaB and doctor Karen!!!

    Posted on Fri May 25, 2012 4:37 am EST

  8. Debbie R says:

    I love your stories! They really illustrate how you are changing lives in The Gambia… especially the kids :)

    Posted on Fri May 25, 2012 12:07 pm EST

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