June 27, 2011

Creating a Sustainable Clinic

By kboyle

Sustainability is the capacity to endure.  While in The Gambia we are working with SightSavers International to build a sustainable clinic.  Here is how it works:

Step One:  Sight Savers International has worked with local providers in The Gambia to develop a clinic to provide the EyeCare services.  Our OneSight doctors have been working in an oversight capacity this week to ensure the local team is trained on pathology, refraction, etc.  Patients receive an EyeExam from a clinic in the towns of Farafenni and Gunjar.   The patient receives a prescription and they also receive any treatment or referrals they need to correct diagnosed pathology.

Step 2:  The glasses are made for the patients in a brand new lab created by OneSight.  While we are in The Gambia, our OneSight team are training local Gambians on the processes and techniques for making glasses to fit the patients’ exact prescriptions.  The lab is run by Mama – she has many assistants to help with long term needs of the local population.

When we depart on July 2, we will have helped develop something that is sustainable – the locally trained optometric and lab teams will continue to provide these much needed services for years to come.

4 Comments

  1. Erin Powell says:

    This is fantastic! Way to go Team Gambia! Keep up the amazing work you’re all doing!

    Posted on Tue Jun 28, 2011 3:05 pm EST

  2. Neil Roberts says:

    Proud of you back home Team Gambia.  Shout out to my good friend and global OneSight teammate Dr. Chad, to David, to Leona and all the Gambian team.  Keep up the good work.  You are truly making a difference in the world!

    Posted on Tue Jun 28, 2011 11:15 pm EST

  3. Brian Boyle says:

    Keep up the good work!

    Posted on Thu Jun 30, 2011 4:44 pm EST

  4. Jenni Eilers says:

    Wow!  What amazing work you all have sone, and to think they can keep theblessings going long after you’re gone.  Way to make an impact! So proud to be a part of the OneSight family and hear of the great work you ate doing!! Go Team Gambia!

    Posted on Sat Jul 2, 2011 8:47 am EST

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