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Clinic Blog: 2011 Paraguay Clinic Blog

July 27, 2011

Day Six-Tuesday

By tvermande

Day Six-Tuesday

The benefits of having an IT person on the team are very apparent in a video being created by Dave showing our experiences. Watch it at OneSight Paraguay 2011 on YouTube.

We had an incredible silent auction tonight with a total of       being raised, The highlight of the auction was a bid of $1000 for the Onesight Crystal by Doctor Ashley.

 

At the clinic today we gave the gift of sight to 1309 people. People driving up to seven hours on dirt roads in the open beds of trucks is getting to be commonplace. The flow was great today.

 

 

I fitted glasses for a woman who was sitting in a chair.  When I was finished fitting, she went to stand and I offered to help her.  She refused as she reached for her brace crutches.  When she stood, she held my hands and thanked me.  She said our team is a blessing and she wished that God would give us the strength to continue to help people.  She told me she is 70 years old and wore her crutches for 65 years but feels blessed because she has had the strength to work as a teacher for the deaf for so many years.  I told her she is the blessing and as she walked away I noticed she has only one leg. 

Find joy in small blessings, be thankful for what you have, and do something nice for someone else.

July 27, 2011

Day Seven-Wednesday

By tvermande

Wednesday-Day Seven

Today was by far our busiest day of the clinic with 1821 people. We had a large number of school childr

Today was a fortunate day to be in the dispense area.  The smiles on all the children’s faces as they received either a pair of glasses or sunglasses were like a ray of sunshine.  It was a hot day, but none of that seemed to matter as you looked into their faces.  To see them realize that they could see things they did not know they were missing was priceless. I feel that I received as much today as I gave.  What a great thing!

I would like to take a moment to thank my family and friends (and that includes my friends at work!) for all their support and enthusiasm as I embarked on this mission.  I appreciate all that you do every day!  I feel blessed to be a part of the Paraguay Clinic, and without you this would not have been possible.  I miss you all, and will be there soon!

Carol                                                                            

                                                                                                             

 

 

 

July 25, 2011

Faces of Paraguay

By tvermande

July 25, 2011

Day Five-Monday

By tvermande

Monday Day Five

Everybody was excited to start the second week of clinic. In spite of the unusually hot and dusty day, Melissa, Paul and Mikaela did a fantastic job of controlling the flow of people coming in the clinic, making sure everybody gets their glasses. We ended up seeing 1402 patients, with 60 cataract surgery referrals and 90 pairs of chabellas dispensed. A little girl particularly touched our hearts, she had a really high prescription, it was her very first glasses. She is so happy she can now read. Just helping one person like this, at such a young age will change her life. She can now do much better at school. Three more days to go, we are looking forward to helping more Paraguayan people see.

On the doctors’ side, we were excited to see a number of eye conditions and diseases that we typically don’t get to see in the United States.  Not only has it been a good experience for the two optometry students on the team (Meaghan and Roxeanne of Waterloo) but it’s also served to challenge and refresh the more experienced optometrists on board.  For example, Dr. Todd of Alabama discovered a patient that has active toxoplasmosis.  After sharing his findings with the rest of the team, he carefully and clearly explained the serious nature of this eye condition to the patient and outlined the proper treatment plan with the help of a local translator.  Even though we need to be efficient to meet the demands of so many patients, the quality of patient care has not been compromised.  We’re seeing a lot of people in need, but we’re proud to say that we’re doing it the right way!

It is amazing when you look at a map of Paraguay to realize how far away some people are coming from. Today we had people from Argentina (5 hours) Bolivia (6 hours) and Ciudad Del Este (12 hours)all on dirt roads.. This demonstrates the desperate need people in this area have for eyewear.

On a sad note we had to say goodbye to two of our valued team members who had to return to the states to be with their families. Our prayers are with them and we miss them.

July 24, 2011

Days Off

By tvermande

We had two off clinic days due to the travel arrangements to Paraguay.

You  can’t get lost when the city is a grid, or so you think!!!!!  Don’t try shortcuts.  Joyce, Roxy, Ashley and I found a fun ice cream parlor; yet it was closed.  We made it back to the hotel street, Hindenburg Avenue just in time to see some of our folks headed to a local restaurant for pizza.  We heard it was some of the best pizza.  Pizza is the most international food- go figure.  Last night we were invited to a bbq, Paraguayan style.  It was soooo cool.  The meat was cooked over a bed of hot coals on the ground with the meat sandwiched between two grill plates and hooked together.  It was then put on a rotating spit, way cool.  After we ate, the mutual admiration exchange took place between One Sight and our government hosts.    Much hand shaking and double cheek kissing.  The entertainment included a  wonderful guitar duet with singing.  We couldn’t help but get in the mood.  Even better,  a brother and a sister whom have been volunteering at the clinic and driving us back and forth to the hospital for cataract surgery observation; performed a dance in traditional costume.  I don’t know how they didn’t pass out.  Well, that was all we needed to get our boogie on.  We couldn’t get Lilliana to dance with Nuno, but he tried. 

Today, our tour of a nearby village was awe striking.  And, you guessed it- Nuno was a huge hit with the children as he brought balloons to blow up and turn into animals.  Nuno may not make it out of Filadelfia.  The dance at the village was separated by Women and Men volunteers of the tribe.  They were so kind to let us take pictures- tons of pictures.  A couple of the villagers spoke before we left and expressed extreme thankfulness for our visit.  A more gracious host country cannot be found.

 

We are so sad right now, the last two hours we have been gathered on the patio watching Futbol, The Copa Americana Cup between Uruguay and Paraguay. Unfortunately for our hosts, in the end Paraguay came up short.  Bummer!!!!!!!  Paraguay hasn’t been to the final round in Thirty years.  The streets would have been filled with motorcycles, and youth waving flags all night long.  Fireworks would have lit up the sky.  Now, we’re simply thinking of what to get for supper.  Pizza will probably win out.  Hmmmmmmm, what would we do without pizza.

 

Dave has been forbidden from messing with the hotel computer.  It went down today, and when Dave offered his aid- it was a no go.  Really that shoul not make him sad, because at least seven other team members have him on call for tech help.  We do indeed have Problema technica.

 

Now that Futbol game is over, we are certain to have a full clinic day tomorrow.  If Paraguay had won, the country was going to declare a national Holiday.  We were worried no patients would travel to clinic.  Even though Paraguay didn’t win- the cars and horns are beeping out in the streets.  It is bound to be a madhouse tonight.

 

Wow, what great partners VOI are, Clarissa rocks!  Let’s keep going One Sight and VOI Paraguay forever.Fascinating mixture of people in central Paraguay. Great  team and leaders esp. Dr. Tosh 

Dr. Robin

Well our off time is just about finished…had a great couple of days...bring on the second half of clinic…the team has bonded…many friendships being made and helping  bring vision to many wonderful people…the second week of clinic will include our Silent Auction…our teams fundraising goal is $25,000 and we are sitting at 50%...we know our silent auction will bring in some great funds for OneSight but we are still looking for donations from those reading the blog…they say for every $5 donated another person can see the world…and in most cases for the first time…please help in our efforts…donate today…

M. Ross

 

 

July 22, 2011

Day Four Friday

By tvermande

Day Four Friday

We ended the day seeing 1145 people with 34 cataract referrals.  Some of the interesting cases included a man attacked by a jaguar with a lacerated lower eyelid that he could not close completely causing severe damage and scarring to the cornea leading to permanent reduction in vision.  Another young man had a hyphema (eye full of blood) from an injury.  He will never see out of this eye.  We made sure he received glasses to protect the other eye.  We saw many kids who had never had glasses before. Most received sunglasses to protect their eyes from the sun and dust.   

I was able to witness the amazing work and efforts from the Vision Outreach International Team today.  Many of us have been able to make quick trips to the hospital to witness cataract removal procedure.  The dedication and efforts of this group is amazing.  Here is a shout out to Roger and his team of dedicated surgeons and their family members who assisted them, they are true One Sight partners.  (Paul)

 

Today was the busiest day of clinic, prepping us for the last 4 days of giving the gift of sight.   The team has found its groove and is ready to help the remaining 7,000 Paraguayans.  One ancillary gift today, after seeing the local “tribes” being shipped in by uncovered trucks in loads of 100, was observing how they would collect water from a large tank.  This tank had been filled with rain water from the past couple days and we were told that this would be some of the best, “cleanest” water the locals would have for the next 6 months.  One more benefit that the One Sight foundation is able to offer by conducting these clinics and providing to those who get excited about simple things; stickers, lollipops, balloons, and the best gift, sight!

Stuart and Dr. Steve

 

Oggi e’ stata una giornata fantastica in clinica, siamo molto felici perche’ abbiamo aiutato piu’ di 1000 persone. Fortunatamente il tempo e’ buono e molte persone sono riuscite a raggiungere la clinica, gli scorsi giorni pioveva e qui le strade non sono asfaltate, i camion che portano le persone non potevano viaggiare perche’ era molto pericoloso.

I bambini sono felici di trascorrere il loro tempo con noi in clinica…e’ stupendo vedere i loro sorrisi e i loro dolcissimi visi illuminarsi per una caramella e per un palloncino che il mitico Nuno crea appositamente per ognuno di loro.

Ieri un paziente appena ha provato i suoi occhiali ha esclamato: “ahora veo en otro mundo!!!”                         E’un piacere ed un onore rappresentare l’Italia in Paraguay.

Un saluto da tutto il team italiano in Paraguay: Fabio, Gabriella, Giada e Gigi!!!

 

 

 

 

 

July 21, 2011

Day Three Thursday

By tvermande

Thursday Day Three

Last night we all were able to enjoy some of the culture of Paraguay when the Paraguayan National Futbol Team defeated Venezuela in a shootout at the Copa Americana being held in Argentina. The city went from being a ghost town to having every person in the city in the streets with fireworks and a car parade in a matter of seconds. Paraguay will play Uruguay for the title Sunday, which we will be planning our day around.

Today started out rainy which again kept many people away. Even though we only saw 800 people each of them came away happy. At least two groups today showed up filled with people in flatbed semi trucks. One of the groups came from the border with Bolivia, a seven hour drive on dirt roads. We heard stories about people taking up to ten hours to get here and staying overnight tonight so they can attend the clinic in the morning. Another 30 people were referred for cataract surgery.

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As part of the dispense team today, I enjoyed seeing the smiles on the faces of those who were seeing well for either the first time, or the first time in a while.  It was especially meaningful to see the children who had experienced their first eye exams and received a great new pair of glasses or sunglasses as well as a balloon animal from Nuno.  He made each and every one feel special.  Happy Birthday Nuno!  FYI, Nuno is now a celebrity as he has been featured on the Paraguayan News several times!  Even though we did not reach our goal again today, it certainly feels good to be able to help those that came today.   --- Carol

 

“You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you” author unknown…what an experience...day three was another successful day, lots of people helped, some surgeries performed, and many many smiles…friendships being made…some to last a lifetime…Thanks to the people of Paraguay for the awesome welcome…

--- M Ross

 

Terry still has not received his luggage.  I feel for him in his random reminders towards his misery.  This has not stymied his spirits towards helping those truly in need.  Please send Terry some clothes and luggage! 

---  Dr. Steve

 

Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears…..

I spent the day working with two different doctors in IMS where we choose the pair of glasses closest to the patient’s prescription.  It’s not always perfect but they are always grateful.   I really enjoyed getting to choose sunglasses for a few kids.  It’s amazing how happy the people here are even though they have so little.  I’m humbled by everyone I say ‘hola’ to. 

-Rebecca

 

 

 

July 20, 2011

Day Two-Wednesday

By tvermande

Wednesday

Today started out with cloudy skies and rain as the team headed for the clinic site. The rain kept some of the scheduled groups from coming due to the dirt roads becoming washed out so it was not quite as busy as we had hoped. After a rousing cheer from Lee Canup our team started to welcome the first people of the day.

We are paired with vision Outreach International on this clinic and the team members have been afforded an opportunity to travel to the local hospital and watch the VOI team perform cataract surgery on patients. About 35 people are scheduled per day based on the doctors recommendations. Watching the surgery was informative and gave all of us a chance to marvel at the skill of the doctors.

 

Although today was a cold day, we came across a young man named Jose.  Jose is 27 years old with a -9.00 rx. He could only views things a few inches off his face. Luckily, one of our team members, Carol donated glasses that belonged to her daughter. Jose could now see our faces and his smile was so wide. He does not know how to read and we assume it is because he never wore glasses before in order to see his studies to learn how to read. Can you imagine not seeing peoples faces for your entire life and now being able to see the people you talk to.

July 19, 2011

Monday

By tvermande

 July 17th, OneSight Paraguay team members from 9 different countries arrived in Filadelfia, Paraguay. Our goal is to help 10,000 people in need of eye care during our two week mission. This clinic is extra-special because OneSight has partnered with VOI (Vision Outreach International) and will perform approximately 500 cataract surgeries within those two weeks. How amazing will it be for these Paraguayans to walk away from our clinic sight with the ability to see with new-to-them glasses…or to have a cataract removed also giving them better sight (and health)? A little about Filadelfia, Paraguay…Filadelfia is a part of the Grand Chaco region of Paraguay, and is approximately 5 hours from the capital, Asuncion. The city was founded in 1930 by Russian Mennonites who fled from the Soviet Union. You will find several different languages spoken in the area, including Spanish, German and Guarani. Today the town is home to a museum, library, radio station and a hospital. A modern supermarket is located in the center of town, which is the last place to get groceries before heading out farther into the Chaco. Today is Monday, July 18th. We, the clinic team members, have worked hard to get the clinic set up and ready for our first recipients arriving Tuesday morning at 8AM. We are all very excited to be a part of this mission, and are looking forward to helping those in need. In addition to having the ability to experience the clinic, Paraguay team members have the opportunity to raise money for OneSight. To date, the group as a whole has raised $11,606, but we are not quite half way to our goal of $25,000. Please feel free to visit our fundraising page ( http://www.facebook.com/l/vAQDy85sbAQDbgjLKg7DIbsBYV0s-KAtxNrjcSixdLMZ9mQ/onesight.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&eventID=514&teamID=5092) to make your donation and help us to achieve our goal. It’s great to give to an organization that gives to so many others around the world. Please stay tuned to our mission blog. I’m sure we will have great stories to share after our first day of clinic tomorrow. Thank you all for your support of the Paraguay mission, and OneSight. http://onesight.donordrive.com/infuseaction=donorDrive.team&eventID=514&teamID=5092 onesight.donordrive.com

July 19, 2011

Day One

By tvermande

Day One

 

The first day of our clinic went very well serving 453 people. We spent the morning finishing up training and then opened at 1230. Relatively few problems developed and many people left very happy having recieved the gift of sight. The team was very innovative developing a chute to deliver glasses quickly to the IMS station which was dubbed the Michinsky Chute. The chute even had a turning vector in it in the original design which would set off an alarm. The European team is adding a lot of spirit to the team and are a great part of the team, hopefully they will be able to write part of the blog in the coming days. Filadelfia Paraguay has been a very welcoming host with a lot of support from the local officals and the Lions club.

Tomorrow we are looking forward to serving 1300 people. Different team members will be writing the blog so hopefully you will get differents views and flavores of the clinic. Look forward to a much longer blog manana.

July 19, 2011

Day Eight

By tvermande

Day One

 

The first day of our clinic went very well serving 453 people. We spent the morning finishing up training and then opened at 1230. Relatively few problems developed and many people left very happy having recieved the gift of sight. The team was very innovative developing a chute to deliver glasses quickly to the IMS station which was dubbed the Michinsky Chute. The chute even had a turning vector in it in the original design which would set off an alarm. The European team is adding a lot of spirit to the team and are a great part of the team, hopefully they will be able to write part of the blog in the coming days. Filadelfia Paraguay has been a very welcoming host with a lot of support from the local officals and the Lions club.

Tomorrow we are looking forward to serving 1300 people. Different team members will be writing the blog so hopefully you will get differents views and flavores of the clinic. Look forward to a much longer blog manana.

July 5, 2011

OneSight Paraguay 2011 Begins as both teams meet up in Buenas Aries

By tvermande