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Clinic Blog: Ghana Clinic Blog

October 24, 2010

We’re home…

By mcollora

Our Team has now arrived home safe and sound.  Yet the hardest times are the days that will follow.  All of us feel the happiness of seeing our friends and loved ones.  We are happy to be sleeping in our own beds, taking nice hot showers, and just having the every day comforts that we take for granted day in and day out.  However, we miss what we have left behind, the friends that we have made, the lives we have touched.  We will miss the beautiful people of Ghana.  They will forever be in our Hearts. 

I ask the friends and family of the Team to please be very sensitive.  It will be hard to understand why we are quiet at times, or why we may start to cry on occasion.  This has been a life changing experience for all of us.  Whether this is your first clinic or your fifteenth, it still has an effect on your life.  Please have patience, it takes a little longer for some.

For my Team mates, who are now my friends, I am honored to have the opportunity to work with you.  It has been an amazing journey!  I love all of you!!  You have all given me so much.  I hope that we all keep in touch and have the chance to work together again.  You are always in my heart. 

-Maria

October 21, 2010

Last day of Clinic…

By mcollora

There are absolutely no words that can possibly describe how we all feel today.  As one of one of my team mates and I agreed, there is a heaviness on our hearts.  We have had so many people come through our clinic, over 10,500 people.  Everyone of them with a different story.  We have seen adults who have never worn glasses or had any type of eye care.  There was a man that came into clinic today carrying his grandfather on his back.  His grandfather had never seen his grandson's face.  He had a very high prescription, over a 15.00 in one eye and over 16.00 in the other.  Amy Neff had brought with her a pair of glasses that were donated from one of the patients in her store.  Amy dispensed the glasses to the man, who sat there motionless.  He was obviously overwhelmed by what he could now see.  This was the first time he had seen his grandon's face and the faces of so many of us watching this amazing moment.  With the help of his grandson, he WALKED out of the clinic, now being able to see where he was actually going.  Imagine all of the things things he will see for the first time just on his way home!

One of the hardest things about today, and every day, was that we were only able to help a certain amount of people and there are still so many in need.  We have been greeted at the gates everyday by hundreds of people, waiting to be seen.  Some had tickets and were able to be seen and some did not have tickets and will have to wait until OneSight is able to return to Ghana.  The most amazing thing to me was that even though many did not get seen, they still waved good bye to us with a smile, went home, and would show up again the next morning.  They just never gave up hope!!

We got through the day, helping those that we could, taking pictures of friends that we have made for a life time, and then saying good bye.  Many tears were shed today, both happy and sad.  We are happy to have come to Ghana, and to meet the people we have, but we are all sad to leave those who have touched us.  But how?... people will ask.  How can you possibly become close to someone that you have never met before, and have only known for one week?  My answer is simply this...we all shared one common purpose...to help give the gift of sight...and we accomplished that mission!!

I know that this has been one of the most amazing clinics that I have been on.  I will never forget the people of this country...my friends, my Sistas and Brothas!

This is to all of the people who have touched my life in the past two weeks...

 

Forever...

Some people come into our lives and quickly go.

Some people move our souls to dance.

They awaken us to new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom

and make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon.

Some people stay in our lives awhile, leave footprints on our hearts,

and we are never, ever the same!

-Unknown

 

Thank you,

Maria

October 21, 2010

From Sherry Peake…

By mcollora

What a wonderful experience to dispense 3 pair of perfect glasses to 3 childrem from the same family.  The oldest girl was 9 and the youngest, a boy, was 2.  All needed pretty strong prescriptions.  The oldest had no vision in one eye, due to a very preventable disease.  The people of Ghana are gentle and grascious.  There is such a great need for good eyecare.  I hope we come back next year!!

-Sherry

October 19, 2010

Dr Merlin McEntire

By mcollora

I saw a lady in clinic today that was in wheelchair so she was unalbe to reach some of usual machines to help us determine her prescription.  Onesight has a hand held autorefractor that makes it very easy for patients in this condition.  I was able to get a reading on one eye that showed a negative 9 diopters.  The other eye had a Catarct that we could'nt help but we gave her a refferal to work with the Ministy of Health in Ghana.  When we put on the glasses she was amazed at what she could now see. She said she wants to see even better when she can get her other eye fixed as well. 

October 19, 2010

“I can see their faces”

By mcollora

Today in clinic I was checking the ocular health of a 10 year old boy. He was unresponsive to my instructions and would not move his eyes in the direction that I had been asking.  The translator I had asked to help me told me he said he could not see anything.  I questioned and tested him further and found his prescription to be -9.00, meaning anything past 10-12 cm is a complete blur.  He has never worn glasses in his entire life.  I was able to find a pair of glasses that fit him well and was very close to his prescription.  His first response having glasses on for the first time in his life was "I can see their faces".  Those are the most inspiring 5 words a patient has ever told me...

 

John Mihelich, OD

October 19, 2010

Tuesday Clinic

By mcollora

Another amazing day at clinic.  We had 1347 people come through the clinic today.  I worked in dispensing today, one of my favorite areas because you actually see the reactions of the people we are helping.  I put glasses on a gentleman who was wearing a +3.50 and he had never had glasses before today.  It is just so amazing the work that we are doing in this country.  The people really do appreciate all of the hard work that we are doing for them.

I really enjoy our ride to clinic every morning.  Now that we have been here for over a week, there are more and more people who know who we are just by our red shirts.  We get many waves and smiles along out route.  We wish that we could just help everyone that we see.  Hopefully there will be many more trips to this country.  I hope I can be a part of it again.

 

October 18, 2010

Wayne saying hello from Ghana !

By mcollora

Our One Sight Mission to Ghana has impacted my life in a way that will change the way I look at my values, as a Canadian, differently.

We have so much and they have so little; yet their warmth, generosity, and respect for us and each other is overwelming.  Each day

they stream in through the gates of our clinic courtyard for the opportunity of a life time "The Gift of Sight".  Every person coming to the

clinic must have a ticket to enter, and receive a free eye exam, and eyeglasses.  Many have never had this opportunity because they

simply could not afford it; and in this area of Ghana there are so many in need. 

   Word of our eye clinic is spreading like wildfire by those who received free care; and today at the gates, there was a near riot to get in.

Those without a ticket of entry are coming and clashing with those who have a ticket.  The police had to be called in to help with crowd

control.  We closed the clinic for 3 hours during this time, then resumed without incident. 

    There is such need for eyecare here, that I hope One Sight can return again.

 

Following is an example of some of the situations we encounter:

    A 100 year old woman came through the clinic, and needed a very strong prescription of -6.00.  She had never had the oportunity to have

glasses before, and because of  One Sight, was able to see beyond the hand in front of her face for the first time.  AMAZING !!!

 

Cheers,

Wayne from Winnipeg, Canada

 

 

 

 

 

October 18, 2010

Day One of Week Two!!

By mcollora

Wow, we can hardly believe that week one is over.  We had such a great time as a team for the weekend.  On Saturday we were able to see some of the Country of Ghana.  We went to a park called Cankum National Park which was absolutely beautiful.  The team had a great time walking across canopy bridges.  These were bridges that were basically planks of wood about 1 foot wide and had ropes on both sides to hold onto.  It was really fun!!  We also went to the Cape Coast Castle.  The Castle is on the Atlantic Coast and was visually beautiful however, the stories of slaves and the treatment of human beings being taken and sold were very eye opening.  We were able to see where they were held, the chains that bonded them and how they "lived" in the confines of the underground dungeons and tunels.  On the outside of the Castle, there is a slab of marble that reads..."In Everlasting Memory of the the Anguish of Our Ancestors.  May those who Died Rest in Peace, May those who Return find their Roots, May Humanity never again Perpetrate such Injustice against Humanity.  We the Living Vow to up hold This."  What an amazing place to visit. 

On Sunday, the team was able to go to a local market place were you can bargain with the local vendors for some traditional and hand made items.  There were many little shops and all were very eager to sell you their goods.  You could find anything there, bowl, jewelry, painting, hand bags, shoe, drums, figurines. blankets, you name it.  I myself was able to pick up a small drum which the merchant was kind enough to carve my African name (Acua) into it. 

Today, Monday was the first day back at clinic and another great day.  We had 1502 people come through the clinic today.  Just incredible to say the least.  One story that touched my heart today was that of a nine year old grl.  She had congenital cataracts.  She was born with the cataracts and even with surgery, if she was able to get it, she most likely would still never see.  Very sad!

Tomorrow is Tuesday, and we only have the next the next three days to make and impact of the lives of these wonderful people.  I would also like to recognize the hard work of all of the volunteers in the clinic.  Without their help, we could not make this clinic work.

October 14, 2010

Days 2 and 3…

By mcollora

Hey Everyone,

Sorry about the blog entry for yesterday, we were having a few technical issues.  The past two days have been unbelievable.  Yesterday we had 1637 people come through the clinic!!  It was an incredible day.  There are many stories of people who have never worn glasses before, and are now having clear vision for the first time in their lives!!  Many blessings from the people of this country who are just over whelmed by what is going on.  They are so greatful for the eye care that we are giving them.  We have many stories that my team mates will be sharing with you over the next few days and for the rest of the clinic.

Today is Thursday, and it was a rather challenging day for us.  We had 1203 people come through the clinic today.   Today was a real wake up call.  While the clinc was in progress, many people started lining up at the gates of our clinic site.  Everyone who comes into the clinc has to have a ticket to get in for that day.  We started to have a lot of people show up who did NOT have tickets.  Evidentially, the word had gotten out about this group of people who were giving free eye exams and eyewear.  All of these people decided to come check it out.   Imagine not being able to get your eyes checked or needing glasses and not having the money nor the means of getting any.  We all were feeling a sense of being at the right place at the right time.  The events of the day proved that we need to be in this country to help these needy people. 

I am so proud to be a part of this team and to be here.  We are looking forward to seeing around 1500 people tomorrow.  We hope to see more if we can!!

Please stay tuned for stories from the rest of the team!!

October 12, 2010

Our first clinic day!!

By mcollora

Today was our first clinic day and what a day it was.  Our clinic is being held in a church which is also a school for some of the most adorable and happy children you have ever seen.  Upon arrival, we were greeted by the sounds of drums and dancing.  Some of our team had the opportunity to learn some of the traditional dance during an opening ceremony that was planned for us.  It was amazing!!  There were dignitaries, priests, members of the Ministry of Health, the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, as well as many local volunteers.  This is a very important time for the people of Ghana, as this is the first time they have had a clinic like this.  The local news was there televising it as well. 

After our opening ceremony, the VIPs of the country were given the grand tour of the clinic lay out and explained what was going to take place for the next two weeks.  The team was given some deliscious pastries made by one of the local woman and then we made our way into the clinic site.  We were all given some training in each area f the clinic and then were given our roles for the day.  We started the clinic today at 1:00 in the afternoon and had 451 people pass through in about 4 hours.  Of that amount, 227 people were given prescription glasses and all were given sun glasses.  It was a great day for all and the clinic ran very smoothly without any issues. 

At the end of the day, the team was asked if anyone had any stories that they would like to share.  I would like the team to tell you themselves so stay tuned!!!

October 11, 2010

We’re here!!!!

By mcollora

Well, the  team arrived safely here in Ghana and we had the warmest welcome at the airport from our Team Leads as well as from a Ghana Official.  We were welcomed as VIPs.  As we travelled to our hotel, we were able to take in some of the sights along the way.  It is obvious that we are needed here.  Although the country is very poor, it's people are are very rich in personality, friendliness and kindness.  We made to the hotel and began to settle in, have some breakfast, shower and relax.  We are traveling to our clinic sight to make sure that everything is set up and ready to go for tomorrow's clinic.  More to come later on!!  Keep checking in!!!

October 10, 2010

We’re only hours away!!!

By mcollora

Well, the day has finally arrived!!  Some of our team are on there way already...coming to meet the rest of us at NY's JFK Airport!  We have a long flight ahead of us.  We will be travelling 10 hours and 45 minutes directly to Accra, Ghana and arriving at 7:30 am (3:30 am EST).  I want to wish my team mates well, have a good flight, and see you in NY in a few hours!  I'm looking forward to seeing you!!!  Ghana...Here We COME!!!!

October 4, 2010

Preparing for Ghana

By mcollora

Hello Everyone,

My name is Maria Collora and I am the Communication Leader for the OneSight Team Ghana!  We are happy to have you participate on our blog!  Our Team of Volunteers and Doctors will spend two weeks in the city of Accra, Ghana providing complete eye exams and distributing recycled glasses to thousands of children and adults who could not otherwise afford to see the World clearly!

Each day, right on this very page, we will be posting highlights from our vision care clinic including stories of our recipients, the team experiences, and a little about Ghana itself.  We arrive in Ghana on Sunday October 10th in the evening and will be posting messages and photos through Friday October 22nd.  Be sure to check in daily so you don't miss any of the excitement and heart warming stories!  And, if you're interested, our team is also raising money to help fund our clinic.  Please visit our Fundraising Page at http://onesight.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&eventID=502&teamID=5031 and make your donation today!!