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Clinic Blog: 2012 India Clinic Blog

February 26, 2012

India 2012 team arrives home!

By nrodriguez

Our adventure ends.  After our ususal morning breakfast of coffee, chai tea, banans, papaya, cereal, yogart eggs, toast and today a delicious rice dish, we all set out to either walk, take pictures, and some of us stayed to finish packing.  We finally were able to get some good monkey pictures and some pictures of the grounds in and out of the hotel area. 

Many of us were busy writing in our journals trying to capture the events of the last two weeks.  Just want to remember everything.  The day was perfect, Perfect weather, sunshine, sounds from the distant temples and the geese by the lake filled the air. There was a tranquility in the air that we could all feel. Lunch time came and we were suprised with pizza, pasta alfredo and some of the traditional dishes we've enjoyed. And of course nan, how are we going to get used to a meal without nan (Indian bread with garlic butter).

We road the bus to the Jodhpur airport (the shortest trip on the bus we've had yet). Flew into the Delhi airport cleared customs and awaited our different transfers.  We said our sad good byes and departed. As of this writing we've recieved confirmation from most our team members letting us know that we have arrived safely and are now keeping company with our loved ones.  Hopefully the jet lag won't be too bad.

India 2012 was composed of some really amazing team members.  Our leadership: David, Darla, Allie, Peter, Sterling and Sean.  Thank you for taking care of everything! Our stay, our travels our meals and our security.  You made this clinic worry free for us, although we know you had many worries just taking care of everyday concerns.  Because of the work you did, you allowed us to have a wonderful cultural OneSight experience.

To our "Discovery/Research team": Janet, Pritika, Dr. Jaysheree and Dr. Mita:  We know your days were full of activity preparing for future partnerships with OneSight.  We loved having you at clinic when time allowed.  And we look forward to all the great things that will come from networking and diligent research.

To our teams from China, Japan, Singapore and Italy:  We could not have served with a better group of people. You showed us that neither language or cultural differences are barriers when it comes to working as a team and serving our fellow man.  You taught us so much and we are better because we know you.

To our U.S. team: You are the best of the best! You met everyone with open arms, worked everyday not only to provide the gift of sight but also to learn new communication skills and even tried to learn the local language.  I'm certain the people Patodi and Rasasani were endeared to you all.  You entertained and treated everyone with warmth and compassion and dignity. 

Team India, you may may never know the many lives you have touched or how you have touched them.  The many memories we've created will be long lasting.  Share the stories to anyone who will listen, even though it will never be the same as being there, it will allow us to relive everything over again.

You are all already missed. 

Namaste!

Team India Rocks!!!

Go OneSight!!

February 26, 2012

Last days of clinic

By nrodriguez

We just completed our last two days of clinic.  On thursday Cassie led us in song on our way to clinic.  She had translated the childhood song of "Are you sleeping" into Italian and Chinese for us. We sang all three versions until they sounded correct.  Here is how it goes:

Italian: Fra Martino Campanaro, Dormi tu, dormi tu, Suonan le campane, suonan le compane, Din Don Dan, Din Don Dan.

Chinese: Lzang zhi lao hu, Lzang zhi lao hu, Pao de kuaz, pao de kuaz, yi zhi mez you er duo, yi zhi mez you wei ba, zhen qi guaz, zhen qi guaz.

Chinese Translation: There are two tigers, there are two tigers, they are running, one returns without an ear, one returns without a tail, this is weird, this is weird.    

Besides being fun we also learned some italian and chinese lessons.  Thank you Cassie for doing all this work and translations. You really got us ready and energized for our day.

On Friday Sara kicked of the day with a cheer that the leadership had written.  Here's how it goes:

I don't know if you've been told, this OneSight team is made of gold, We came to town from every nation, and handled every situation.  From all this time we spent together, we will remain as friends forever, we want to thank each one or you, and never stop encouraging too.  Keep reflecting in your journal, so that our memories may be eternal.  Sound off, OneSight, Sound Off India, Sound off 1, 2, 3, 4, ONeSight!

We had a visit from the Maharaja and the Maharani today.  They had come to see what the service Onesight was providing looked like and lend support.  We took them through the process and even dilated their eyes.  They were very humble and grateful that our team was here in Rajisthan helping the people of this region. 

We closed clinic early today because we had to pack up clinic and prepare everything for either shipping or storage.  Our hosts at clinic had planned a small ceremony at the end, in the dilation area.  OneSight awards were given to our hosts and the Jal Bagarathi foundation. We received garlands of flowers to wear around our necks. It was now time to get back on our bus and bid goodbye to all our volunteers and helpers at the clinic. The children of the village chased our bus as far as they could and we watched the sights out our windows for the last time. Reality hit us, it's almost time to go home.  As much as we have enjoyed this great experience and as much as we hate to leave our teammates, we're all ready to go home.  We miss our families, our beds, and all our loved ones. 

So tonight we pack to go home.

February 22, 2012

Day 2 Best day yet, We helped 1005 people.

By nrodriguez

Our 2nd day in Rasasani and what an awesome day it has been.  Our team gets better everyday and work seamlessly to help all the people that are waiting in the long lines. We had many special moments with our recipients. Here is a story from Cheryl Woodall:

In dispensing Cheryl had a gentleman that needed a +9.00 bifocal with a +3.00 add ,who had never worn glasses.  He works driving a tracker and was definitely having trouble with performing his job. 
As Cheryl put  the  glasse on him, his face lit up, eyes opened wide and tears welled up in his eyes, all he could do was bend down and bless Cheryl repeatedly in the Hindi style.  Cheryl said that this felt like the best day in her life because she made a difference in his.  He then kept telling the translater that he wanted to take her home to show his appreciation and meet  his family.  All in a days work at OneSight.

Jane Herman-Hello to family and friends!  India is overwhelming in so many ways.  Color, crowds, noise, foods.  Animals everywhere…camels, peacocks, monkeys, and of course COWS!  Our last clinic day is tomorrow.  Hard to believe it has gone by so fast.  Happy we could help so many.  I miss all of you, but am happy I could be part of such a great team in India.  See you soon!  Albert Lee-Hello team 437, the Lee family, Todd and friends, counting down to the end of this journey in India. I shall be home soon to share all that I have experienced. Cheers!  Anna Ng – In a blink of an eye, OneSight India 2012 is about to draw to a close. I am grateful to be able to come on this trip, as I experienced the collaborative partnership of my colleagues and the warmth of the Indian people.  Being able to work at the different stations such as auto-refraction, quick pick and dispense, not only allows me to see my colleagues at work, but also allows me to meet the locals face to face. It is most comforting to see those near/far-sighted patients get sight with the help of a pair of glasses, and those with more serious eye damage, to get long-term care through local partnerships with local hospitals.  OneSight India 2012 has been an amazing and tremendous experience for me, and I would strongly encourage all Luxottica employees to go for at least one trip, as to broaden their perspective of life, and give a little of themselves to the world, to make it a better place.  Laura Bustillos says: Having a GREAT time in India!

February 19, 2012

Day 4 - Wrapping up our last day week one.

By nrodriguez

I first want to apologize to all friends who are following our blog for the delay in entries. Access to internet service has proven to be a bit challenging here in Jodhpur.  We will continue to update our blog when opportunities allow us to do so.   Pictures are a slow download, we will also do whatever possible to share our photos with you. So please don't give up on staying tuned.

 

We just completed our 4th clinic day in the town of Patodi. We were able to help 870 people on this last day.  The people have been great, the volunteers have worked hard, translating, controlling flow, registering and performing many other clinic tasks.  We've packed up our equipment and glasses and have prepared them for shipping to our next clinic site. We're all a little tired but feeling great about a job well done.  Our team is the best, everyone is working together extremely well and always willing to jump in and do whatever is needed.  It doesn't even matter if there are language barriers.  We've all learned a little italian, chinese, japanese, and even hindi. There are no barriers here!

Our clinic ended with a little ceremony provided from the village. After an exchange of thanks from the city and volunteers with OneSight and the  Jal Bhagirathi Foundation, the men in our group were given turbans (Ghjesingh), the women received flowers.  We then said goodbye to the village of Patodi and took our long ride back to the Water Habitat Retreat where we will rest up well in anticipation of some sight seeing and shopping on the weekend.

Here are some stories from this week:

On Tuesday, our first day of clinic, an 8 year old boy with severe lazy eye came through and was checked by Dr. Albert. He wrote the little boy’s prescription for eyeglasses and then Jeremiah hand assembled the perfect pair of eyeglasses (Chabellas).  Liz was in dispensing and the little boy and his father came up to have his glasses fit. After trimming the temples of the frame- they were a perfect fit. Two days later, Dr. Albert said he saw that little boy that was so shy on Tuesday, he was running alongside our bus!! His eyes were already a little bit straighter after just a couple days ;)

Liz was able to give a 15 year old girl her gently used eyeglasses- the girl just kept saying “beautiful” when she was shown the glasses- and now she can see all the beautiful colors here in India- so much better.

On Wednesday, Our team had the challenge of fitting a local man who needed a -22.00 rx.  The team at picking found a -17.00 rx that would work wonders for this man who had never had glasses.  Laura Bustillos dispensed the perfect looking -17.00 to him.  He didn't say much and wanted to put them in his pocket. We explained that he could begin wearing them today.  It's hard for us to imagine how his new clear vision will affect his world.

Thursday - Dr. Diane had a patient who was so happy that she was here in India to help her and others from India, that she stopped, bent down in a very humbling gesture and blessed Dr. Diane's feet.  When sharing this with our team, we have found that there has been a lot of blessing going around the clinic.  Whether we are able to improve their vision or tell them that they have cataracts and that reading glasses is the best we can do, they are thankful. We are all so proud of what OneSight allows us to do for others.  THANK YOU ONESIGHT!!

Day 4 Shout outs:

Steve Thompson – Blair, thank you for your love and support during my trip to India.  It’s been hard not seeing you and only talking a l ittle here and there.  You are amazing and I love you very much.  To my mom and sister, I miss you both and can’t wait to talk to you when I get home. Ronika Singh – Hi mom, dad, Romit & Tanya.  I’m having a wonderful time!  India has been an amazing experience.  Miss you guys a lot, will see you soon!  Love you.  Jeremiah Munson – Hi everyone, even though I am having a wonderful time, I miss you all.  Eliza, the hats were a great success, thank you so much!  Seester, please give Marcus a kiss for me.  Thank you everyone for the support and working hard while I’m gone.  Lots of Love.  Federica – Ciao Amici, la missione in India e fantastica, aiuti amo tantissime persone.  Gracie a tutti.  A presto Federica.  Cassie Harrison - I know you must miss your mom, because you're only 11 months old, but mom is happy to be here to help more kids.  I miss you!  Diane Bernitt - Hi Pearle Vision Hunt Valley. To my daughters Lisa & Lauren, I miss you.  Here ford High School Key Club, thanks for donation glasses, coloring books, crayons and toys, the joy on the kids faces is priceless.

February 17, 2012

DAY 3 - CHEERS

By nrodriguez

WE ARE ONESIGHT, YES WE ARE!

AND WE'VE COME FROM NEAR AND FAR

EYEGLASS MISSION IS OUR QUEST

INDIA CLINIC IS THE BEST!

SOUND OFF, 1,2

SOUND OFF, 3,4

SOUND OFF, 1,2,3,4

ONESIGHT!!!!!

 

Today we helped 893 people.

 

 

February 16, 2012

Namaste - from the light within me to the light within you

By nrodriguez

It is Thursday morning and we are beginning our 3rd day. We are all adapting well to the time changes and cultural changes. Our 2.5 hour drive has become an interesting adventure. This ride is filled with scenes of natural wildlife. Let me try to describe; many water buffalo, wild peacocks, miniature deer, (actually deer of all sizes), camels, wild boar, ox, cattle, donkeys (there is a clinic debate of whether they are mules), monkeys, colorful birds and parrots. All the animals seem to have a purpose. Living things are highly respected and not killed.

The food,…how amazing!!! Most of our dishes are vegetarian with an occasional chicken dish. The creativity that is used in the Indian cuisine is something we wish we could bring home. Our palates are filled with veggies, spices, nuts, seeds, lentils, rice, and so much more combined with the mix of so many varied spices, we wish you could taste the delight. To our families, we are not going hungry, and are eating the healthiest we’ve probably had in a long time.

Yesterday, was our second day of clinic and we were able to help 834 people, double our first day. Our team is so amazing, everything ran so smoothly, every station was controlled well. Our recipients of glasses left with shy smiles, giving us blessings all the way from their exam to receiving their eyewear. India 2012 Rocks!!

We would like to send a shout out to some of our loved ones back. Everyday will get about 5 or 6 team members to send out a “holler”. So stay tuned everyday, to hear from your special team member.

Liz Hodge-mom and dad, still loving India the 2nd time around, foods great, people are wonderful. Allie Steinmetz-having a great time, can’t believe it’s a week. Can’t wait to get home and see my new grandson. Allen Chen-to my company, I am very happy here. Join OneSight, it’s very good. Sonny Parikh-hi mom and dad, having a great time in my motherland. Good food-Good people. Vinita Solomon-hi mom, Monica and Greg. Amazing experiences, new friends and great food. Give Sadie girl a pat on the head.  Laura Bustillo - doing well, "Namaste".

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.

February 3, 2012

Only one week to go,...

By nrodriguez

Welcome to the India 2012 clinic blog.  Wow, only one week to go.  We are all so excited to be able to travel to Jodhpur and deliver the gift of sight.  This blog will allow us to share our wonderful experience with you.  We hope that reading our stories and viewing our photos will allow you to feel as if you are here with us.  Our hearts will be with you.

To all our friends and family, we will miss all of you.