• Search:

Clinic Blog: South Africa Clinic Blog

October 1, 2010

Last two days in South Africa

By twannamaker

Hello all,

Our final days at Clinic were a complete success. We exceeded our goal of 10,000 patients and seen 12,131! What an amazing acheivement. Our team and the people of Mamelodi couldn't be happier. At Clinic today, I had the job of dispensing eyeglasses. This is an amazing place to be at Clinic because it is where the process ends for the patient and the reward begins for the team member. I had a lady come to my station who was 51 years old. She was so pleasent and was smiling like she didn't have a care in the world. I looked at her glasses and her paperwork and she was a -10.25 in the right eye and a -12.00 in the left eye. (For anyone not familiar with prescriptions, she can not see anything). I asked her if she had wore glasses before. She told me that she had them years ago, but they broke and she couldn't afford to buy new ones. I was so overwhelmed at her answer, and at this given moment I realized why I was here. I put on her glasses and she started to laugh. She threw her head into her hands and looked up at me and said " I can see your face, I can see your face!!" She began rubbing my hands and got up and hugged me. I choked back my tears and called my team members over to share this experience with me. She thanked Jeff and Tara S and asked if she could leave for a moment to go see her kids in line because it has been so long since she has seen them. This by far, was the most amazing thing that happened to me in this whole journey. Every patient is important to me, but this was a reality check. All the things that we take for granted....no words can express the emotion that I was feeling.

Here is another story from Lesley, my awesome team mate from Austrailia, please enjoy!!

Hi, my name is Lesley Thorton and I am from Oakley, Austrailia. I can not begin to explain what a wonderful and uplifting experience this mission to Mamelodi has been. Yesterday, we saw over 2,000 people. I was in awe to see people lining up around the block. Yesterday I was in dispensing. This is the station where the patients , after waiting patiently for up to 8 hours a day, finally get to recieve their eyewear . Some of the reactions are priceless. I had one lady right at the end of the day that was so excited to see, that she did a dance on the spot, and smiled from ear to ear. She was so happy to get the gift that onesight  had given her, she said " this is like christmas, you give us presents from the heart and god bless you !" These people are so greatful it melts your heart. -Lesley T- 

After we were done packing up Clinic, we said our good byes to the volunteers. These people were such an amazing part of our team and we couldn't have done it without them. We gave all the volunteers a little something, in appreciation for all that they have done. We also, went over to the orphanage to give the orphans gifts that our team members brought. Val brought them in and a little girl, grabbed a pink stuffed animal out of his hand and ran around like it was christmas. He said the feeling of how excited these children were, was awesome!!! These are memories that will never be forgotten.

Our journey is over now and was an absolute success. The people of Mamelodi are not going to be forgotten as Onesight, has donated a finishing lab to the Hospice, next to the Clinic. Dr. Jason Singh will be continuing to grow eyecare health in Mamelodi, and do follow up care on all the patients that our team sent for referrals. This was the first mission In Mamelodi, but will not be the last!!!!

I would like to thank all my team members for all their support with helping me share our journey with all the readers!! Thank you to the people of Mamelodi and all our friends, family and co-workers for supporting all our team members while were gone.

Thanks for reading!!! Tara Wannamaker

 

September 29, 2010

Day 8 South Africa

By twannamaker

Hello Again,

We had another day of wins at Clinic today. Our goal was to see 1500 patients and we ended the day seeing 1832 people! Absolutely amazing!!! Some of our recipients arrived as early as 3:30 AM to get in line. They brought blankets and snacks and made themselves comfortable. The average wait of a recipient is no less then 4 hours. These people are so patient and excited to get their turn. Today the Minister of Social Development came to visit . She was able to get an eye exam and recieved a pair of reading glasses and sunglasses. She was pleased with the Clinic and how well it was running.

After clinic we had a silent auction to raise some money for our mission. Our auction was led by Jeffery Dunaway who did a fantastic job. He made it fun and kept everyone involved. Even the people that were not part of our crew asked if they could join in. For the finale, Jeff did a live auction that got quite intense. This was so much fun and raised a majority of our auction money. We raised over $3600!!! Outstanding amount for a small group. This will go towards our team total and our goal of $20,000. Jeff will update us soon on our new total.

Everyday there are so many amazing things happening all over the Clinic that we can not share all of them. So each day our team members try to share something that may have touched them through the day. Today Dr.Chad, Lisa S, and Max will be sharing their experiences with all of you. Please enjoy!!!

 

FROM DR. CHAD

Dumelang!, or Good Morning! My name is Chad "Thabo" Carter--I am from Sears Optical, Springfield, Missouri, and am part of the OneSight team in South Africa.

The town of Mamelodi, South Africa, is populated with over a million  people, but has only a handful of ocular exam rooms in the entire city. There have been many moments that have touched each of us over the past couple of weeks, but for me (and many others), the most difficult but rewarding times have come in those quiet, one-on-one encounters that we spend with people every day at the clinic.

On my second day, I was the unfortunate bearer of grim news to a middle-aged lady who had severe diabetic eye disease in her right eye that compromised her central vision, and a dense cataract in the other that made it impossible for me to see inside her left eye, much less for her to see out of. We did our best to aid her vision and referred her appropriately for eye care for when we are gone, but regrettably the prognosis is poor.

When I gave her the news, she was visibly shaken, but wanted me to know how appreciative she was of us taking the time to help her. I think the fleeting moments spent with her well represent the selfless attitudes and generosity of the people we have come to help in South Africa--I have commented many times that I have been made to feel like family by everyone I have come in contact with, and the warmth of the people of Mamelodi has been not only uplifting, but a gentle and humbling reminder to me that people and the human spirit can continue to triumph even in the most difficult of circumstances.

FROM LISA STODDART

I'm an optician from Lenscrafters in San Diego , CA and one thing that stood out to me yesterday was how appreciative and thankfull the people of Mamalodi are to have sight. It's something we provide on a day to day basis in our store, but don't always see the excitement.   I met a gentleman yesterday by the name of Karabo Mathe who is 70 years old. He took a bus for 2 hours to get to the clinic from across town and arrive at 6:30 am to stand in line to get glasses since he didn't have an appointment. He came through the last station at 4:30 PM and was so excited to read he immediately took out his newspaper and started clapping and dancing around. He told me he has 7 children, 3 of which already have corrective needs,  and would be back the following day at 4:30 am so they could all be seen at the clinic . The other 4 have never been tested since they can't afford it. I know we dramatically changed his life yesterday, and that is something I will never forget.

FROM MAX PUTZ

Hello all....I am Max from Sunglass Hut #5541 Panama City Beach, Florida.  I am so proud and honored to be a part of Team South Africa, especially since this is my first clinic.  What I have learned these days during this clinic has moved me beyond words.  I have met so many incredibly giving and gracious people throughout the time spent here, the team members...the awesome doctors, and the volunteers here in Mamelodi have all come together in such a beautiful way to give the gift of sight.  We have had long days....short lunch breaks, sharing our peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and snacks we brought along with us.  We have come together from all parts of the world like the sweetest symphony and working side by side have helped so many people.  I had a beautiful young girl come to the dispensing line this morning, her name Rorisang Sithebe.  She is 4 years old and was with her grandmother.   Her prescription is -8.50 in the right eye, and a 9.50 in the left.  This sweet child could not see leaves on a tree, her shoelaces on her shoes or even her hands.  When I put the glasses on her face, she shone like the brightest star in the sky.  We just gave this child her sight...what an amazing moment for me...brought to tears knowing something so simple as a pair of glasses will enable Rorisang to see her beautiful world here in Mamelodi.  I have seen us reach across oceans, language barriers and from all over the world and become one family in our quest to give the gift of sight.  The people of Mamelodi have welcomed us with open arms and my cup overflows with their love.  This trip has changed me in so many ways, and I have new friends and great memories to take home.  I was given an African name....Mthobise, meaning Comfort.  It is I who has been comforted by their open hearts and welcome hugs. 

Thank you to my team mates for sharing your great stories. They are truly moving. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to help the people of Mamelodi. If asked to do it again, I would be honored!!!

Thanks for reading and team South Africa will see you all soon!!

P.S. I will try and post some pics as soon as possible.

September 27, 2010

Day 5,6,7 South Africa

By twannamaker

 

Hello All,

We had a great weekend exploring South Africa. We took a 3 hour bus ride to Bakubung. In Bakubung we went on a game drive (safari) seeing African animals in their own environment, not behind bars. It was an amazing experience and everyone had a great time. We followed our Safari with a trip to the African Market. This was very similar to our flea markets at home, except the vendors are overly excited to see a bus load of tourists pull up and they keep with you every step of the way. Very over whelming for most of us. It was a nice experience for all to experience the local culture.  

Day 5 at Clinic was our best day yet. We had a goal of 1700 patients and we exceeded it and served over 1800 patients. Our team is very in tune and the day went smoothly. We had a patient today that travelled 4 hours on the bus to receive eyecare. She was so nervous that she would not get in before our gates shut, that she called upon our team member Ed. She explained to him that she had travelled for hours to get here and had to catch a bus at 5pm (which at that point it was about 1:30pm). Ed was amazed at the fact that she had come so far to see us. He immediately brought her to dilation and got her on her way. She made it through the process and was taken care of by 3:30pm. She made her bus and left a happy camper!! Ed did a fantastic job. He really stayed focused and followed through on what we are truly here to do. Give people eyecare and take care of everyone we can. Way to go Ed!!!  

In dispensing Anthony had a patient that had glasses years ago but they were broken and hadn't had any since. He gave her, the selected glasses and asked her if she could see??? Her face lit up and as she answered him, she started to cry. She was so amazed that she could see that she hugged and kissed Anthony. He finished up her dispense with a great pair of sunnies. What a great story!!

In conclusion, it was just another overall fantastic day!! I will check in again tomorrow and fill you in on whats new in Mamelodi, South Africa.

Thanks for reading!! Team South Africa

September 24, 2010

Friday in South Africa

By twannamaker

Today, OneSight’s Eye Care Clinic in Mamelodi reached the 5,000 recipient mark since the clinic began on Tuesday, 21 September. There are still five days of the Clinic remaining and we believe that OneSight will reach its target of aiding 10,000 people.

Oakley employees and athletes joined OneSight’s opticians, licensed doctors and eyewear industry professionals in Mamelodi’s Bophelong Community Center to hand-deliver prescription frames and non-prescription sunglasses along with top-quality eye care.

The Oakley team members were fortunate enough to visit those living in and around the township of Mamelodi. The Oakley team went on the in-home clinic visits to provide medical attention, food and eye care. The team was welcomed with a warm reception and appreciation for their efforts. 

Oakley volunteer and paralympic world record holder, Oscar Pistorious, commented on his experience: “Sight is something I’ve taken for granted – when you see what a change it makes to people that really need it – thank you OneSight and Oakley for having me here.”

Steven ‘Chappy’ Adshade, Oakley South Africa’s Sales Director said:  “The best experience is placing a  new pair of glasses on their face and witnessing their smiles as they see for the first time – we’re making so many people feel really special.”

Oakley athletes that volunteered in today’s clinic included Gretchen Bleiler (American Professional Halfpipe Snowboarder), Davey Weare (South African Professional Surfer), Burry Stander (South African Mountain Bike Champion) and Roxy Louw (South African Surfer).

Oakley’s global partnership with OneSight aims to help the foundation improve access to vision care and eyewear for millions in need. By inviting its extended family of athletes who have participated in the Clinic have served the community and become ambassadors for the cause. Through its sponsorship of the Clinic, Oakley has donated US $50,000 to support OneSight’s  continuity of this programme in South Africa

There are many ways that you can get involved with OneSight. 1) Make a small donation to www.onesight.org to support the program directly. 2) Donate your gently-used prescription eyewear and non-prescription sunglasses and drop them off at any Sunglass Hut location in South Africa. 3) Organize a collection drive in your community.

September 23, 2010

Day 3 South Africa

By twannamaker

Hello Friends,

Day 3 in the Township of Mamelodi was amazing! We saw over 1400 people, exceeding our expectations. The team work was unbelievable and the day ran without any hiccups. We are a team of over 40 members and are honored to be accompanied by Oakley, volunteers from Crossroads, Faith and Charity Church and the great people of Mamelodi. Not only are we hosting an amazing Clinic that is helping the people of Mamelodi, but we are also participating in home visits. These visits are being conducted by the staff members of local Faith and Charity Hospice, along with volunteers from Crossroads and Onesight. The people that are being visited, live in informal settlements.They are provided medical attention, food and Onesight is providing readers and sunglasses to these people. This is the first time any Clinic has done anything like this. I can speak for our team members in saying, it is very touching and they are happy to be part of such a great deed. 

At Clinic, today most of our patients received new glasses. We had a few medical emergencies that our Doctors tended to immediately and lots of refferals for patient follow-up care. Just an overall great day at Clinic. Everyone is doing a great job. As this Clinic is group effort, I would also like this blog to come from our team mates. I would like to share a few stories from Dr.Neil and Nicole from Crossroads.

FROM THE WORDS OF DR.NEIL

The highlight of Clinic day today was a sweet older lady who didn't speak much the whole time she was at Clinic. Her vision was listed as extremely poor and I didn't know if I could help her at all. She even had a haemorhage in one eye. When I checked her glasses prescription, I found her better eye had reasonably good vision. After coordinating a referral follow-up on the other problems, she was dispensed her new glasses. She immediatly started clapping. She was so happy, even though only one eye had good vision. That was really the first time that she showed any emotion. She was the very last patient in a Clinic of over 1400 patients seen today. She made me feel like we definitely did some good today and she truly appreciated the improvement in her vision. -Dr.Neil-

NICOLE CROSSROADS VOLUNTEER

On Monday we had orientation and worked with Onesight team members. During this time, I told Lynn from Onesight, that I have been wearing broken glasses for a few years, as I haven't had enough money to fix them. Lynn, immediately told me that she would get me new glasses. I went through the whole process and Lynn, found me a pair of glasses that fit me so well that they barely had to be adjusted. It meant so much that the Onesight volunteers reached out to me. They rendered their service and skills to me completely unexpectedly. I have loved getting to know the Onesight team. -Nicole Crossroads-

TARA SOBEL ONESIGHT

I went on a home visit today with the Crossroads volunteers to deliver food and help to people in need. The experience was enlightening and intense. One of the members from Crossroads said "these people are so depressed, it's like they are already in their graves." Going to these is homes not only provides them with food and medical care, but it lifts their spirits and gives them encouragement they need to move foward. I am so happy that I was able to be part of the home visits.-Tara Sobel-

Thank-you for following us on our great journey and we will be back again tomorrow!!!

We are sending our love to all of our friends and family!!!!

 

September 21, 2010

Day 2 South Africa

By twannamaker

Hello again,

 Day 2 in Mamelodi, South Africa was a great day. We were up and at em' to the sounds of the roosters. (This is not me being sarcastic, thee are roosters that wonder around and help wake us in the morning.) After meeting for breakfast at an early 6:30 AM, we piled on the bus and headed off to clinic.. When we arrived today there were lines of people waiting for us. It was such an amazing sight. We immediately got our duties and brought in our first group of patients. The people of Mamelodi are so appreciative of the services that were being provided to them. They expressed this with smiles, hugs and simply telling the team members how much this means to them. The people wait for hours to be seen. 

Our goal today was to see 700 people, we came very close at 690. YIPEE! We seen people that were in immediate need of medical care and our great Doctors got them off to the hospital. We had patients that had cataracts and others that just needed a pair of glasses to make their lives better.

Today,we had a patient named Anna, she waited  like all the the other patients  but greeted all team members with a beautiful smile. After receiving her new eyeglasses she came running over to each station and shaking hands and hugging our team. She was so pleased that she could see that she wanted to thank everyone for  her new glasses. It was an overwhelming feeling to see how much Anna appreciated her new glasses. Our team members stopped what they were doing to hug Anna and have their photo taken with her.

We had lots of volunteers helping us today. The children in the local school were also very kind  today. They made peanut butter and jam sandwiches  for lunch and packed them into to brown paper bags for each one of us.  

Tomorrow our goal is to help 1200 people. We will post more of our journey tomorrow and post some pictures for you all to see.

Thanks for reading, Team South Africa.

September 20, 2010

Team South Africa Fundraising Update

By twannamaker

Team South Africa has done an AMAZING job fundraising for our clinic.  Our group has collectively raised over $10,000 and continue to receive additional support daily.  Donations made to our campaign will assist in the distribution of eyewear to the most in need in the Mamelodi Township of South Africa.  If you would like to provide additional support for this clinic, please click on the link below.

Thanks so much for your support and we look forward to everyone following our adventures on this blog.

 

http://onesight.donordrive.com/participant/SouthAfrica

September 20, 2010

Day 1 - Greetings from South Africa

By twannamaker

Hello Team South Africa followers,

Our team has finally come together after two days of travel from all over the world. With flight delays, missed flights, and lots of rushing, everyone made it here safe and sound.  Day 1 of clinic was a huge success.  Our team gathered at a local church in Mamelodi where the local folks were kind enough to host our clinic.  Teamwork made set up seemless today, it was hot and a bit uncomfortable but we managed to help 80 recipients receive eye care.  In addition to giving out eyewear there were also many laughs and smiles to go around - with one 14 year old girl dancing after receiving her new eyewear.

After set up, our team had the opportunity to tour the facility, where we got to see the local school and meet some of the children from the orphanage.  We also got a chance to see the hospice on site where specialized care is given to HIV/AIDS patients.  The hospice is a work in progress but continues to add services including eyecare, dental, and medical exams.

The team is tired from Day 1 but is excited for what adventure is yet to come.

September 17, 2010

Olympic Medalist Gretchen Bleiler Shares Excitement about Upcoming OneSight Clinic

By twannamaker

We caught up with Gretchen Bleiler, top women’s snowboarder, X Games gold medalist, Olympic silver medalist, Oakley athlete and girl next door, about her upcoming involvement with the OneSight Clinic in South Africa. Here’s what she had to say:

What’s the connection between the Oakley optics you depend on for your sport and providing vision care to those in need in South Africa? 
Vision is such an important part of experiencing life. And Oakley helps people live life to its fullest whether they're helping me accomplish my goals by providing me with the best optics out there for any and all conditions on the mountain or they're providing someone in need with the proper prescription to simply help them see.

What’s your desire to do outreach in Africa?  
There are so many people who need help in our world. I'm blessed to be in the position to be able to help and also work with a sponsor who sees the benefit in giving to those who are less fortunate. Making a difference in someone's life is so fulfilling. 

Why is it special to do this OneSight trip with Oakley? 
Oakley is a very special company in that they really care about people and relationships. Oakley also happens to offer the best eyewear technology in the world which I've been able to experience firsthand for the past 10 years. 

You do a lot of work around the environment, how will the experience and effort be different?
I do a lot of work around the environment because of who I am and where I grew up and what I do for a living. I feel as a professional snowboarder it's really easy to get fired up about climate change and also talk about it because I have seen the effects first hand. Making a positive impact in this world is important to me and I know this experience will be so different from anything I've ever experienced before. The environment is not as tangible as personally reaching out and changing an individual’s life. Everyone deserves a chance to be and live their best.

How do you expect this trip to change your life? 
I know I will be totally humbled by this experience and it will stay with me forever. I also believe that the experience will remind me of the fulfillment of giving back and helping others and encourage me to do so as long as I'm able. 

About Gretchen Bleiler:
Winning medals is not a foreign to Gretchen Bleiler who stood atop the podium at the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics and most recently took the gold at the 2010 Winter X Games. Aspen’s hometown girl started snowboarding at age 11 and since then revolutionized women’s snowboard half pipe riding with signature moves like her signature “crippler” that was never landed in women’s competition. She is a perfectionist in her sport and trains vigorously on and off the mountain to constantly increase her athleticism and physical and mental strength. Off the mountain, you can find Gretchen surfing the breaks in her summer backyard of Southern California. She also enjoys yoga, reading, traveling and spending time with her family and friends.  She brings her passion for life into the sport, her surroundings and into the greater good. As her career has expanded, so has her personal responsibility for the promotion of conservation, sustainability and social justice.