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Clinic Blog: 2011 South Africa 3 Clinic Blog

December 8, 2011

Fun Times in Mamelodi

By dgarvin

What a week it’s been!  Coming from Colorado with a 9 hour time difference was a bit challenging the first few days in clinic.  Talk about hard work- I’ve never been so exhausted in my life (ok, maybe after having my first newborn).  It’s been quite an emotional experience.  I find myself in clinic many times working with a patient (especially the kids) and start to get tears in my eyes.  I’ve seen so many patients who just accept that one or both of their eyes is blind and it’s wonderful to be able to tell them that they only need a surgery and then they will be able to see again (in the case of cataracts).    I saw one patient who hasn’t had glasses in over ten years and was legally blind.  We gave him a pair of glasses and restored his sight.  He was thrilled…and so were we! 

 There are so many things we take for granted in our life.  Being here has really made me appreciate the life I have.  It’s also made me realize how important it is to give back.  It doesn’t have to be as big as traveling half way around the world, but just donating to your favorite charity, donating your old glasses, giving a little of your time.  A little can go a long way.

Last week we brought a box of clothing and basic necessities to each of the kids in a nearby orphanage.  They were so excited!  Just having something as a new shirt or a pair of slippers made their day.  They were so cute, they all sang to us and brought us all to tears.   

We had a great weekend.  After a busy 4 days of clinic, we were all ready to relax a bit and have some fun.  We went on a safari on Saturday- the highlight for me was having an enormous elephant come right up to our vehicle and hang with us for a bit.  Sunday we got to pet baby lions and a cheetah at our hotel.  The cheetah was so friendly!  I couldn’t believe how similar their playful actions were to my own cats at home.  Something I’ll probably never get a chance to do again.

I’d like to say hi to all my family, friends, and co-workers.  Also, thank you to my husband Jed and his parents who are taking care of my two young children ages 4 and 6 so that I could be here to have this experience.  I can’t wait to see you this weekend! 

Monica Mortenson, O.D.

Boulder, Colorado

 

Thursday, December 8, 2011

It is with bittersweet feelings we are beginning our last day of clinic today. We will miss this beautiful country and its warm, loving people. We have so enjoyed our trips into the bush and being able to see all of the fascinating wild animals, but our strongest feelings remain with the grateful recipients of glasses and sunglasses. We carry back bountiful blessings by these wonderful people, and bring back lasting memories of their smiles.  The team is bonding and preparing to say good-bye to the fantastic volunteers who have come faithfully each morning with hugs to start our day. We hope they enjoy the gifts we have brought for them as well as our team shirts. We see them wearing the shirts they cherish from the last mission here.

As we begin our journey home, we will all transition our thoughts once again to our loved ones whom we have missed and will be happy to see. But that also means we will leave behind our newest and dearest friends on the planet, our teammates. We appreciate all who have followed our journey on this blog and the comments and love you have sent us all. We will be home soon and will be very different people after experiencing the trip of a lifetime. Thank you OneSight for allowing us to represent the organization. We will be home soon! Love to all here and those waiting for us at home.

Dana Garvin, CSC

 

I have been on other missions and all missions are different and special in their own ways, but this one had many events that made it truly unique.  We had the opportunity to visit and provide gifts for local orphans.  We got to visit people in their homes who were under treatment for HIV, bringing them food, sunglasses and reading glasses.  I got to do exams on a day care consisting of special needs children, most having cerebral palsy.  Finally, it was Africa!  Lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, antelope, cheetahs, Oh My.  The game drives on our time off were awesome.

Steve Rosen

 

December 7, 2011

Team Observations

By dgarvin

Yesterday morning Dana, Erik, Ron and I went on home visits with a hospice to see Aids patients. We went with Viola (Momma V), Elise and Billy.  Besides taking bags of groceries with us, we also took readers and sunglasses with us.  Every place we went Elise went in first to see if it would be okay with the families for all of us to come into the home.

At the first place we met a young man and his grandmother.  Ron examined the young man’s eyes and did not find anything wrong with them.  His grandmother had been to our clinic last week and was having trouble with the glasses.  We swapped out her glasses with the readers we brought.  She tested the glasses out by reading her Bible.  She liked the new pair. We gave the young man sunglasses and left the home with smiles on everyone’s face.

Another place we visited was located in a shanty town.  The homes here were made from 2x4’s and sheets of metal.  They do not have indoor plumbing so most homes had outhouses.  However it did look like most places had electricity.  The woman we visited had her Aids under control. She had visited our clinic last week and was wearing the glasses that we had given her. To provide income for her family, she did bead work.  She thanked us for the glasses that helped her to see more clearly.  She said that it was easier to string the beads to make the jewelry.  The glasses would help her to keep providing for her family.

Every place we went Momma V would ask the families what prayers they would like us to leave with them. Everyone just wanted to have their Aids controlled so they could work and provide for their families.  They wanted to see their children grow up.

Marjory Stuart   IMS Leader

 

Yesterday at IMS I had a gentleman in his early 60’s come through the line and I started to inquire whether he had trouble with distance or reading vision.  The translator told me t man was mute and could not talk, nor could he hear.  I selected two pairs of glasses for him that would be best to help him see for distance and to read up close.  The volunteer wrote down on paper asking if he could read in English.  He did not understand what we were trying to tell him.  At that moment his 8 year old granddaughter came to the desk and listening to the volunteer she started signing to him that he would receive one pair of glasses for distance and one pair for up close.  My breath was taken away that someone so young in this culture was trained in sign language.  She was just amazing!!!  She also had a ticket for glasses and I wanted to make sure she got a special pair of glasses that would show off how special she was.  Gosia pulled 2 of the 3 choices (one was ugly she said) and we picked the pair that would fit her best.  It was a red oval with fancy scroll work on the side.  The frame looked simply beautiful on her.  Her grandmother was next and we also selected two pair for her.  Both grandparents were deaf and as they headed over to dispensing to pick up their new glasses she signed thank you to me over and over again.  I simply smiled at her so she would know I was happy to help.

Jenna Morse- Sears Optical, FL & Clinic Fundraising captain

 

While typing my blog about my young interpreter, Jose Antonio was dispensing a pair of glasses to a young girl about 6.  He was being a magician and pulling tootsie rolls from behind her ears.  She smiled and laughed and gave him the biggest hug.  He also took the time to pick just the right pair of sunglasses by letting her choose between red and blue and looking in the mirror to see how cool she looked in each pair.  She chose blue.

Jenna Morse- Sears Optical, FL & Clinic Fundraising captain

 

How to save a life….

I never thought that coming to S. Africa to check people’s eyes would actually help save a patient’s life.  We had a 30 year old woman come to our clinic     this morning.  While she was waiting in line outside to get dilated, Andy, another doctor, noticed something suspicious about her right eye.  He brought her to the front of the line.  We both looked at her eye and saw a large tumor growing on the front of her eye.  Luckily, the local Ophthalmologist happened to be stopping by and confirmed the diagnosis and treatment.  She had a squamous cell carcinoma.   If left untreated, the cancer can spread to the rest of the body and ultimately lead to death.  She was aware that she had the tumor and had been trying to have it removed but didn’t have enough money for the surgery.   After some investigation, it was determined that she was able to qualify for a free surgery because she was a refugee from Zimbabwe.  We aren’t sure if they will be able to save her eye, but at least it will save her life!

Monica Mortenson, O.D.

Boulder, Colorado

After looking over the last week and a half of my clinic photos one would think we only see cute kids and delightful elderly women. I can’t help it, these folks are so quick to smile/ laugh that it is impossible not to join in. Last Friday Mike Bruno and I were in dispensing when I gave an older women some really nice sun glasses. When she turned to leave she was greeted by cat calls from the three older men in line behind her. She was delighted and we all had a good laugh. Sometimes the magic can be all about a simple pair of sunglasses

Thomas Precht

LC576, Towson MD

 

I had the privilege of meeting a very nice young man today named Knowledge, he is 16 years old and a volunteer with me in the VA area. The first question he asked me this morning is what is my dream, what do I want to do with my life. I was both taken a back and very intrigued by his question especially for someone of his young age. I told him I have a lot of dreams and they are always changing but that my main hope for my life is to surround myself with people who love me, lead a life of integrity and do good for others. I asked him the same question and he told me he would like to attend college, work on a cruise ship as an activities director and have a family. He also told me one of his interests in life is poetry. I asked him if he would share a poem with me, little did I know he had one he had written in his pocket. He shared it with me and now I would like to share it with you.

 

“Tomorrow” by Knowledge

Yes, we all rush for tomorrow to come

But unfortunately we all have to wait for it to occur.

 And when it comes it says

New day today meet new people

The day after today is tomorrow, planning and being

Partners with new faces, I mean

We are always ready to enter people’s hearts

And be close to them, but forget that whenever it hurts

It takes time to heal, to rise and to be renewed again. So in life

Never hurt the heart that loves you.

Jesus is my life, my joy, my peace, my all, without him

I will fall. Worry not about tomorrow for you know not

What it has for you, let us plan and think ahead of days, but not of time.

 

Thank you to Knowledge for sharing his wisdom with me and displaying extraordinary character throughout the day.

 

Natalie Vuotto

SGH Cincinnati, OH

One thing I’ve learned working for Luxottica was that as a leader you should Inspire a shared vision among your employees and peers. 

Today I was inspired by two ladies in Mamelodi East who are both infected with HIV yet manage to give back to the community they live in.  Both women have received treatment and are doing well enough to be at home and able to get around.  They attend the local clinics to inspire other men and women who are too sick to exercise and seek treatment so that they too live a better and healthier life.  They even went so far as to bring home with them a young boy whose mother was not around and father was away on a job. He was left alone crying and they opened their hearts to him and took him home with them in hopes that Mama V could give them some direction. 

At each of the 3 home visits that Steve, Alex and I did today we were blessed by those women who invited us into their homes and hearts with blessings and prayers.  We also said a prayer for each of them and rejoiced in song and the lord.

Jenna Morse- Sears Optical, FL & Clinic Fundraising Captain

…………………………………………………………………………………………….

 

Big ups to Luxottica for not only forming such a beautiful charitable organization but also employing staff that are compassionate enough to assist in giving “ sight “ to those less fortunate. So many stories and memories bring overwhelmed emotions throughout the day. Yet not enough words can express the feeling one experience when witnessing such poverty.

The biggest high-lite would be the expression of optimism on the faces of the kids we dispense. What excitement they must feel to be able to see clearer for the first time. Its breaks my heart when kids are in distress but that little bit of hope we bring makes it all the better.

This being my first clinic mission, it will always remain close to my heart and the memories will be rejoiced for years to come.

Ibteshaam Kolbe – Luxottica S.A

 

We have now been in South Africa for one and a half weeks, and have experienced some pretty spectacular things. It’s incredible to see what can be accomplished when you put a group of amazing people together all with the same intentions and goals. I feel really lucky to have had the opportunity to travel to South Africa. Everything has been great - the local people have all been so grateful and welcoming, and the clinic atmosphere is like nothing else. Yes, things can get pretty stressful at times and a day of work is more than exhausting, but when you see the end results, it is all definitely worth it! All of us that are here have left our lives and families at home to do this, and although it’s been kind of tough, I think we are all gaining more than we could have ever imagined. OneSight is a pretty amazing organization for making all of this happen! We have one and a half days left of clinic and are hoping to help many more people before we leave this beautiful country.

Kristin Lao – 4^th Year Optometry Student, University of Waterloo

 

 In questi giorni di clinica ho vissuto moltissimi momenti emozionanti, uno che mi piace raccontare si e’ svolto oggi all’autorefrattometro. In un momento in cui avevamo poco lavoro stavo scherzando con una volontaria locale di 16 anni. Per gioco ha voluto fare anche lei l’esame e ha ottenuto un -4 per l’occhio destro e un -2 per l’occhio sinistro. Visti i valori le ho detto che ha bisogno di un occhiale da vista e a fine giornata quando l’ho trovata con il suo nuovo occhiale era veramente contenta e soddisfatta.

 In these days of clinic I had lot of emotional moments, one of these that I like to tell I lived today at the autorefractor. There was a moment that we didn’t have much work so I‘m joking with a 16 years old local volunteer. For fun she stepped up to the autorefractor and was read to be a -4 per the right eye and a -2 for the left one. With these numbers I told her that she needed glasses and when we finished the day I found her with her new frames. She was very happy and satisfied.

Lorenzo Fant – Accounting Department Luxottica Srl - Agordo

December 7, 2011

More Observations from Last Full Clinic Day

By dgarvin

Amazing to think that it’s December 7^th, as we sit here in sunny, warm (hot) South Africa.  We just returned from the game reserve here at our hotel.  We were able to see cheetahs, lions, hyenas, wild dogs, kudus (like antelope, but not), and apparently the giraffes were shy tonight as we didn’t get to see them.  Other nights as we arrive home from long days at clinic we hop off the bus and rush to take pictures of the giraffes before we scare them away.  It’s been amazing to see so many animals that most only dream of seeing in their natural habitat.  On our day off from clinic over the weekend we drove to another game reserve a couple of hours away.  What a fantastic adventure it was, and one of the most beautiful days I’ve ever experienced in my life. Combined I’m pretty sure our team took 10,000 images J We get a bit camera happy around the animals….luckily we get camera happy around our patients as well.

The people of South Africa are such gracious human beings, and so respectful.  Waiting in long lines for their first eye exam, and possibly their first pair of glasses.   The smiles spread across their faces as they put the eyeglasses on for the first time and we ask if they can see clearly.  They shake their heads with excitement for the new world in front of them. Such a blessing to be a part of OneSight and the way we’re changing the world…and ourselves.

Jenni Eilers, Cincinnati, Ohio – Luxottica

Wednesday Night, Dec 7^th, 2011

This is a story from last week at the clinic. I was helping a lady who was deaf, through the clinic. When we came to IMS, I met another girl in the line. We were talking for a while. I didn’t think about her so much afterwards. But in the beginning of the next day, she came into the clinic. She came to thank me. She thought that the world she was living in, was the “real” one. But when she received her glasses she realized that the “real” world was something else. She was so happy and thankful that we gave her, her eyes back. She was crying, and I almost cried. She told us that everyone is thinking that the church is behind this. So when she saw the “OneSight” logo she went home to google it. So she wanted to help spread the world about OneSight. She just wanted to  help every way she could. That is pretty awesome to come back, and want to help us.

Josephine Oscarsson- Stockholm-Sweden- Luxottica

Detta är en berättelse från förra veckan på kliniken. Jag hjälpte en dam som var döv, genom kliniken. När vi kom till IMS, träffade jag en annan tjej i kön. Vi pratade en stund. Jag tänkte inte på henne så mycket efteråt. Men i början av nästa dag kom hon in pa kliniken. Hon kom för att tacka mig. Hon trodde att hennes värld var den ”riktiga”. Men när hon fick sina glasögon sa insåg hon att den "verkliga" världen var något helt annat. Hon var så glad och tacksam att vi gav henne, hennes ögon tillbaka. Hon grät, och jag nästan grät. Hon berättade att alla trodde att det va kyrkan som stod bakom detta. Sen sag hon  "OneSight"-logotypen och gick hem och Googlade den. Det va da hon upptackte att OneSight ar en helt egen organisation. Så hon ville hjälpa till att sprida ordet om OneSight. Hon ville bara hjälpa till pa alla sätt hon kunde. Det är ganska cool att hon ville komma tillbaka, och hjalpa oss.

December 7, 2011

Last Full Day of Clinic

By dgarvin

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

LAST FULL DAY OF CLINIC!

So many kids with sight problems even today. After they wear their new pair of sunglasses the first reaction is a big smile. What a huge gratification.

Tanti bambini anche oggi con problemi alla vista. Appena mettono I loro nuovi occhiali la prima reazione e’ sempre un gran bel sorriso. Solo questo basta a farti sentire veramente bene.

(Nicola Bartolone)

An 85 year old lady kept thanking me for long because with her new reading glasses she’ll be able to sew again. So much kindness in these people, no matter what they are going through.

Una signora 85enne non smetteva di ringraziarmi perche’ con i suoi nuovi occhiali da lettura potra’ di nuovo cucire senza problemi. Questo popolo e’ cosi pieno di bonta’, nonstante tutto cio che sta passando.

(Nicola Bartolone) 

Once again the volunteers working with us are doing a great job. We couldn’t have made it without their huge help. Thank you all!

Perl’ennesimo giorno I volontari che stanno lavorando con noi stanno facendo un lavoro magnifico. Senza il loro aiuto non ce l’avremmo fatta. Un sentito ringraziamento a tutti loro!

(Nicola Bartolone)

 

Oggi una signora sulla cinquantina si e’ presentata alla postazione degli autorefrattometri, accompagnata da uno dei nostri migliori volontari. Gli ho chiesto se avesse dei particolari handicap o difficolta’ dato che il volontario la stava accompagnando di persona. Mi ha detto che la donna ha perso un figlio proprio un mezz’ora prima (incidente stradale)…. Stava piangendo, ma in modo molto composto … le ho fatto la lettura e poi ho chiesto al suo angelo custode di accompagnarla il piu’ velocemente possibile per tutto il processo, in modo che potesse tornare a casa propria quanto prima.

Ho pensato alla classica reazione che ci sarebbe stata da noi: svenimenti, urla disperate, follia per la perdita di un figlio. Mi sono chiesto: “ come e’ possibile che riescano a reagire in maniera cosi’ composta ? la sofferenza e’ la stessa che proveremmo noi “

Oggi una donna mi ha insegnato che di fronte a qualcunque cosa, bisogna andare avanti. Sempre e comunque

Speriamo che gli occhiali di oggi le siano utili per interpretare meglio il difficile futuro che la attende … (Alex MacRae-Brown)

Fiesta! Yes that is the theme of the week; this is a party and I am very lucky to have been invited. As Jose Antonio, Lorenzo and I have yelled all week, Fiesta! I have been able to look into the eyes of everyone around me, including the volunteers and patients and see the celebration of what is going on here. I can feel the excitement of all involved, and like a fine wine or a perfect truffle the taste of this experience will remain on my tongue for some time after it is gone. We have had a chance to meet some incredible people, forge friendships for a lifetime and return home with new perspectives on our own lives.  I hope that this experience has touched everyone involved as deeply as it has touched me, because I know that I am not exactly the same person as I was when this “fiesta” began.

Marlin “Fiesta” Mosher

 

Our clinic in Mamelodi  is soon approaching its end. The day begins at 7:00 am, as we board the bus and make our way to clinic. On arrival to the clinic we are greeted by hundreds of people in line. They are standing with their colorful umbrellas waving to us like we are celebrities.

I will have wonderful memories that will be etched in my mind and heart for a life time. Memories of friendships made, and who can forget the smiling faces of the children of Mamelodi?

Today I went on my home visits with Mama V. We delivered food supplies to the ill and less fortunate in the community. They were very gracious and welcomed us into their homes. We left them with reading glasses and sunglasses. It was touching to see their smiles and receive their thanks.

On the way back, Mama V asked the driver to pull over. It seemed that children appeared out of nowhere. Seven beautiful little children sang songs for us on the street. It was a fitting end to our home visits.

This journey has been both emotional and spiritual for me. I am anxious to go home and share my stories with my family and friends. Thanks OneSight!

Anne Di Francesco –LensCrafters 907, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

 

The onesight clinic in  mamelodi has been a great experience to me because I met friends from all over the world, and who are very kind and love working with  people and at the end of the onesight  clinic i learnt a lot  and the people from onesight are a blessing from God because not everybody would do what they have done.

 The onesight   clinic helped a lot of people in mamelodi  especialy those who could not afford glasses, people were very happy and emotional and some of them even prayed to thank God for people who volunteered and the doctors from onesight because they are indeed  blessings from God  and they are God sent.

During the clinic I met jenna, jennifer, ibte, dana, anne, Natalie, alex, ken, Carla, amedeo  and chrytal   whom we  taught how to speak a little bit of sotho  and that was nice, I wish that this clinic could come back to mamelodi every year so that people can get help because most of them are disadvantaged and need these glasses. We thank a lot for coming to our community, it really made a huge difference to the South Africans. THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN ONESIGHT, IT MEANS A LOT!!!!!!

Dimpho makgetlane and Nthabiseng Kgadima- volunteers for the clinic-Mamelodi

 

Ke ne ka Itumela thata ka go dirisana le batho ba onsight,ke Ithutile dilo di le dintsi ele tota,thata thata gore matlho a batho a botlhokwa jang,mme go simolola gompieno ke a itse gore ke tshwanetse go thlokomela matlho a me jang le nna.Dingaka tsa onsight ke batho bao ba lukileng thata mme go nne ga nna bonolo gore re dirisane ka kutlwano. ke ne ke le mo mokgatlhong wa go thlalosetsa batho bao ba sa itseng go bua sekgowa,ke ne ke ba tlhalosetsa ke maleme a mangwe ao a farologaneng, mme ke ne ka itumelela go bona le nna ke thusa batho ba motse wa Mamelodi. Ke rata go leboga Charity and faith mission church,Bophelong le onsight go nneya monyetla wa go ithuta gole gontsi le go thusa batho ba bantsi bao batswang mafelong a farologaneng. Modimo a ba tlhonolofatse.

 ENGLISH TRANSLATION

I was really happy to work together alongside with people from onesight camppain,I have learned a lot, most of all on how to take care of our eyes as people and from today I know what to do to take care of my eyes. The doctors we worked with from onesight are good, kind and loving and it was so easy to work together with them and also understand each other and my experience was ‘SUPER’ nice with them because they are ‘SUPER’ people. I was on the interpreter’s  team translating for those who could not hear and speak English, I was translating in other South African languages and I was happy to found myself helping different people from my home town Mamelodi. I want to thank Charity and Faith Mission Church, Bophelong and onesight for giving me the opportunity to learn more and helping people from different backgrounds. God BLESS YOU and MAY HE DO YOU WELL!!!

KOKETSO MAHLANGU O (Volunteer)

December 6, 2011

Le storie di Carla:

By dgarvin

Questa bella signora di nome Zotua, si e' presentata al dispensing e Carla era pronta per adattare l'occhiale al suo viso. Appena indossato l'occhiale, l'espressione di Zotua e' subito cambiata....ha avuto uno slancio emotivo forte perche' riusciva a vedere davvero bene cio' che prima poteva solo intuire. La commozione e' stata forte tanto che ha continuato a guardarsi intorno e poi a leggere e osservare oggetti vicini per parecchio tempo prima di esaurire tutto questo entusiasmo. Nella foto, traspare la grande gioia di entrambe per la bellissima esperienza! finalmente Zotua potra' cucinare, leggere, e lavorare normalmente, senza dover dipendere da nessuno....grazie One Sght !!!

 

This beautiful lady named Zotua, presented herself to dispensing: Carla was there ready to give the gift of sight to her, and adapt the frame to Zotua's needs. as soon as Zotua had here frames on, her expression totally changed...she was really emotional for the fact of finally seeing properly what she could only sense before. she was so happy that she continued to look around and to focus on short distance objects for a while before Carla could get back here attention. in this picture you can clearly sense the joy of both Carla and Zotua, for the incredible experience. Finally Zotua will be able to cook, read, and work normally without having to rely on anybody as before.....thank you One Sight !!!

 

December 6, 2011

Le storie di Amedeo:

By dgarvin

Thandi ha 30 anni e un -7 e -6 rispettivamente dall'occhio destro e sinistro. Non aveva mai portato un paio di occhiali da vista....e quando gli ho adattato gli occhiali al viso, l'emozione e' stata grandissima! 

Per la prima volta Thandi ha potuto leggere a distanza. Raccontando la sua storia, evidenziava il fatto che a scuola, doveva mettersi sempre in prima fila, e pure da questa posizione vantaggiosa, non riusciva a seguire correttamente le lezioni. Solo adesso, si rende davvero conto di quando ha perso durante la propria giovinezza....se solo avesse avuto un paio di occhiali cosi' quando era in terza elementare....

il sorriso di Thandi catturato in questa foto, e' la chiara dimostrazione della sua felicita' e di quando Luxottica, attraverso One Sight, riesca a fare la differenza per persone che vivono questo tipo di condizione

 

grazie One Sight !!! 

 

W Luxottica !!!

 

Amedeo 

December 6, 2011

Tuesday Stories from Clinic

By dgarvin

Yesterday morning Dana, Erik, Ron and I went on home visits with a hospice to see Aids patients. We went with Viola (Momma V), Elise and Billy.  Besides taking bags of groceries with us, we also took readers and sunglasses with us.  Every place we went Elise went in first to see if it would be okay with the families for all of us to come into the home.

At the first place we met a young man and his grandmother.  Ron examined the young man’s eyes and did not find anything wrong with them.  His grandmother had been to our clinic last week and was having trouble with the glasses.  We swapped out her glasses with the readers we brought.  She tested the glasses out by reading her Bible.  She liked the new pair. We gave the young man sunglasses and left the home with smiles on everyone’s face.

Another place we visited was located in a shanty town.  The homes here were made from 2x4’s and sheets of metal.  They do not have indoor plumbing so most homes had outhouses.  However it did look like most places had electricity.  The woman we visited had her Aids under control. She had visited our clinic last week and was wearing the glasses that we had given her. To provide income for her family, she did bead work.  She thanked us for the glasses that helped her to see more clearly.  She said that it was easier to string the beads to make the jewelry.  The glasses would help her to keep providing for her family.

Every place we went Momma V would ask the families what prayers they would like us to leave with them. Everyone just wanted to have their Aids controlled so they could work and provide for their families.  They wanted to see their children grow up.

Marjory Stuart   IMS Leader

 

Yesterday at IMS I had a gentleman in his early 60’s come through the line and I started to inquire whether he had trouble with distance or reading vision.  The translator told me t man was mute and could not talk, nor could he hear.  I selected two pairs of glasses for him that would be best to help him see for distance and to read up close.  The volunteer wrote down on paper asking if he could read in English.  He did not understand what we were trying to tell him.  At that moment his 8 year old granddaughter came to the desk and listening to the volunteer she started signing to him that he would receive one pair of glasses for distance and one pair for up close.  My breath was taken away that someone so young in this culture was trained in sign language.  She was just amazing!!!  She also had a ticket for glasses and I wanted to make sure she got a special pair of glasses that would show off how special she was.  Gosia pulled 2 of the 3 choices (one was ugly she said) and we picked the pair that would fit her best.  It was a red oval with fancy scroll work on the side.  The frame looked simply beautiful on her.  Her grandmother was next and we also selected two pair for her.  Both grandparents were deaf and as they headed over to dispensing to pick up their new glasses she signed thank you to me over and over again.  I simply smiled at her so she would know I was happy to help.

Jenna Morse- Sears Optical, FL & Clinic Fundraising captain

 

While typing my blog about my young interpreter, Jose Antonio was dispensing a pair of glasses to a young girl about 6.  He was being a magician and pulling tootsie rolls from behind her ears.  She smiled and laughed and gave him the biggest hug.  He also took the time to pick just the right pair of sunglasses by letting her choose between red and blue and looking in the mirror to see how cool she looked in each pair.  She chose blue.

Jenna Morse- Sears Optical, FL & Clinic Fundraising captain

 

How to save a life….

I never thought that coming to S. Africa to check people’s eyes would actually help save a patient’s life.  We had a 30 year old woman come to our clinic     this morning.  While she was waiting in line outside to get dilated, Andy, another doctor, noticed something suspicious about her right eye.  He brought her to the front of the line.  We both looked at her eye and saw a large tumor growing on the front of her eye.  Luckily, the local Ophthalmologist happened to be stopping by and confirmed the diagnosis and treatment.  She had a squamous cell carcinoma.   If left untreated, the cancer can spread to the rest of the body and ultimately lead to death.  She was aware that she had the tumor and had been trying to have it removed but didn’t have enough money for the surgery.   After some investigation, it was determined that she was able to qualify for a free surgery because she was a refugee from Zimbabwe.  We aren’t sure if they will be able to save her eye, but at least it will save her life!

Monica Mortenson, O.D.

Boulder, Colorado

After looking over the last week and a half of my clinic photos one would think we only see cute kids and delightful elderly women. I can’t help it, these folks are so quick to smile/ laugh that it is impossible not to join in. Last Friday Mike Bruno and I were in dispensing when I gave an older women some really nice sun glasses. When she turned to leave she was greeted by cat calls from the three older men in line behind her. She was delighted and we all had a good laugh. Sometimes the magic can be all about a simple pair of sunglasses

Thomas Precht

LC576, Towson MD

 

I had the privilege of meeting a very nice young man today named Knowledge, he is 16 years old and a volunteer with me in the VA area. The first question he asked me this morning is what is my dream, what do I want to do with my life. I was both taken a back and very intrigued by his question especially for someone of his young age. I told him I have a lot of dreams and they are always changing but that my main hope for my life is to surround myself with people who love me, lead a life of integrity and do good for others. I asked him the same question and he told me he would like to attend college, work on a cruise ship as an activities director and have a family. He also told me one of his interests in life is poetry. I asked him if he would share a poem with me, little did I know he had one he had written in his pocket. He shared it with me and now I would like to share it with you.

 

“Tomorrow” by Knowledge

Yes, we all rush for tomorrow to come

But unfortunately we all have to wait for it to occur.

 And when it comes it says

New day today meet new people

The day after today is tomorrow, planning and being

Partners with new faces, I mean

We are always ready to enter people’s hearts

And be close to them, but forget that whenever it hurts

It takes time to heal, to rise and to be renewed again. So in life

Never hurt the heart that loves you.

Jesus is my life, my joy, my peace, my all, without him

I will fall. Worry not about tomorrow for you know not

What it has for you, let us plan and think ahead of days, but not of time.

 

Thank you to Knowledge for sharing his wisdom with me and displaying extraordinary character throughout the day.

 

Natalie Vuotto

SGH Cincinnati, OH

One thing I’ve learned working for Luxottica was that as a leader you should Inspire a shared vision among your employees and peers. 

Today I was inspired by two ladies in Mamelodi East who are both infected with HIV yet manage to give back to the community they live in.  Both women have received treatment and are doing well enough to be at home and able to get around.  They attend the local clinics to inspire other men and women who are too sick to exercise and seek treatment so that they too live a better and healthier life.  They even went so far as to bring home with them a young boy whose mother was not around and father was away on a job. He was left alone crying and they opened their hearts to him and took him home with them in hopes that Mama V could give them some direction. 

At each of the 3 home visits that Steve, Alex and I did today we were blessed by those women who invited us into their homes and hearts with blessings and prayers.  We also said a prayer for each of them and rejoiced in song and the lord.

Jenna Morse- Sears Optical, FL & Clinic Fundraising Captain

…………………………………………………………………………………………….

 

Big ups to Luxottica for not only forming such a beautiful charitable organization but also employing staff that are compassionate enough to assist in giving “ sight “ to those less fortunate. So many stories and memories bring overwhelmed emotions throughout the day. Yet not enough words can express the feeling one experience when witnessing such poverty.

The biggest high-lite would be the expression of optimism on the faces of the kids we dispense. What excitement they must feel to be able to see clearer for the first time. Its breaks my heart when kids are in distress but that little bit of hope we bring makes it all the better.

This being my first clinic mission, it will always remain close to my heart and the memories will be rejoiced for years to come.

Ibteshaam Kolbe – Luxottica S.A

 

We have now been in South Africa for one and a half weeks, and have experienced some pretty spectacular things. It’s incredible to see what can be accomplished when you put a group of amazing people together all with the same intentions and goals. I feel really lucky to have had the opportunity to travel to South Africa. Everything has been great - the local people have all been so grateful and welcoming, and the clinic atmosphere is like nothing else. Yes, things can get pretty stressful at times and a day of work is more than exhausting, but when you see the end results, it is all definitely worth it! All of us that are here have left our lives and families at home to do this, and although it’s been kind of tough, I think we are all gaining more than we could have ever imagined. OneSight is a pretty amazing organization for making all of this happen! We have one and a half days left of clinic and are hoping to help many more people before we leave this beautiful country.

Kristin Lao – 4^th Year Optometry Student, University of Waterloo

 

In questi giorni di clinica ho vissuto moltissimi momenti emozionanti, uno che mi piace raccontare si e’ svolto oggi all’autorefrattometro. In un momento in cui avevamo poco lavoro stavo scherzando con una volontaria locale di 16 anni. Per gioco ha voluto fare anche lei l’esame e ha ottenuto un -4 per l’occhio destro e un -2 per l’occhio sinistro. Visti i valori le ho detto che ha bisogno di un occhiale da vista e a fine giornata quando l’ho trovata con il suo nuovo occhiale era veramente contenta e soddisfatta.

 

In these days of clinic I had lot of emotional moments, one of these that I like to tell I lived today at the autorefractor. There was a moment that we didn’t have much work so I‘m joking with a 16 years old local volunteer. For fun she stepped up to the autorefractor and was read to be a -4 per the right eye and a -2 for the left one. With these numbers I told her that she needed glasses and when we finished the day I found her with her new frames. She was very happy and satisfied.

Lorenzo Fant – Accounting Department Luxottica Srl - Agordo

December 5, 2011

Weekend Stories

By dgarvin

Pentru cei ce cuvanta in Romaneste: clinica in Mamelodi, Africa de Sud decurge cum nu se poate mai bine! Suntem deja in a doua saptamana si nici nu stiu cand a trecut timpul. Pana acum am servit peste 5,000 de recipienti si asteptam inca pe-atata in a doua saptamana.  Toata lumea este foarte recunoascatoare , zambete si chiar lacrimi sunt mereu impartasite. Sunt deosebit de impresionata de bunatatea localnicilor si cum zambesc mereu. Fiecare persoana primeste cel putin o pereche de ochelari de vedere, uneori chiar doua, depinde de prescriptie si ochelari de soare la fiecare, inclusive copiii. Toata lumea este foarte, foarte multumita. Ne uitam cu nerabdare la saptamana ce ne sta in fata si cate alte vieti vom mai schimba prin darul vederii! -- Dr. Simona Grosu (Romanian)

Chers collegues et amis,

Il est temps de vous donner de mes nouvelles apres une semaine de mission OneSight en Afrique du Sud. Deja je tiens a remercier notre equipe d’encadrement Odette,Scott,Shawn and Alex pour leur extraordinaire engagement afin de faciliter notre action et pour le soutien qu’ils nous apportent au quotidien. Mon but dans cette participation a la mission OneSight est de donner et d’aider des personnes defavorisees de la ville de Mamelodi, proche de Pretoria. Cette premiere semaine d’intervention fut tres riche a plusieurs niveaux: il a fallu se former aux differents postes indispensables au bon deroulement operationnel de notre mission, de l’accueil des personnes a equiper a la vue jusqu’a la remise de leur equipement. Une fois formes, nous avons accueilli en une semaine plus de 5000 personnes avec le meme enthousiasme et la meme energie qu’au premier jour. Je suis touché par la gentillesse des personnes que nous equipons, pour la plupart des personnes agees, qui ne pourraient jamais se permettre de s’acheter de telles montures adaptees a leur vue. Combien de fois,en guise de remerciement, une femme agee appellee “Mam” me prend les mains et me dit “God bless you all’,avec des larmes dans les yeux! L’emotion est forte egalement quand une personne recouvre la vue avec la monture que vous lui posez sur le visage et qu’elle vous dit qu’enfin elle va pouvoir relire sa Bible! J’aurais des centaines de moments uniques a partager avec vous et c’est avec impatience que j’attends de le faire des mon retour en France. Toutefois le moment le plus emouvant et aussi destabilisant de cette premiere semaine a ete quand j’ai eu l’occasion de faire une “home visit’. En fait, nous sommes en accompagnement de medecins et d’infirmieres qui se deplacent au domicile des maladies qui ne peuvent venir par eux memes a notre Clinique OneSight. Il s’agit de personnes ayant contractees le Sida et souvent qui doivent leur survie a l’aide prodiguee par l’Oeuvre de ”Charity and Faith Church” qui est notre partenaire. J’ai eu la chance  de rencontrer trois maladies dans leur humble demeure, demunis de tout et tres conscients de la gravite de leur etat.Ils gardaient pourtant l’espoir et le sourire et ils ne se plaignaient pas de leur sort. Quelle incroyable exemple qui permet de relativiser nos petits problemes au quotidien. J’espere avoir encore la possibilite la semaine prochaine de vous donner de mes nouvelles, mais sachez qu’il s’agit d’une experience humaine unique qui en retour de votre investissement vous apporte beaucoup a tous les niveaux; le fait d’etre une equipe multinationale soudee dans cette action est aussi une grande chance relationnelle qui peut deboucher sur de vraies amities pour la vie. A bientot, from South Africa.  Alain (Nice, France)

 

Dear all,

I would like to share with you a very powerful experience that I had the chance to live during my first week of Clinic Mission in South Africa. I went on a “Home Visit” last Friday with our doctors, nurses and colleagues. We visited 3 patients, living in such poor houses, just at the corner of our Clinic. Especially, one of them makes me feel so weak. He contracted AIDS 2 years ago and now he’s going blind. He has to raise his little daughter of 8 years old with only the help of his mother and one member of the Charity and Faith partner. I just lost my voice, couldn’t say a word in front of such an emotional situation. But what was a huge learning for me was that this man didn’t complain at all. He  was keeping smiling, talking a lot about his own story and showing us the power of his Faith and belief in God. Facing this so strong behavior, you realize how lucky you are in your own daily life and you feel even guilty to complain sometimes for almost nothing really important. That was for me an unforgettable experience that will follow me for the rest of my life. God bless all of them. -- Alain (France)

The kids, oooohhhhhh the kids! It is such a wonderful joy to see the look on all the kids faces once the mirror is placed in front of their face. When they see themselves for the first time in glasses the look on their face is priceless! The happiness they express just by their facial expression is in itself, a life changing experience. The gift of sight is truly a remarkable thing! ---------Bruno

 

December 2, 2011

We’re in the News!!!

By dgarvin

On Tuesday November 29^th Betty and her daughter Sheila came to the clinic in Mamelodi to receive an exam and hoped to get glasses.  Betty was unable to leave her wheel chair for the auto refraction so I attempted to use the handheld autorefractor.  After discovering that we would not be able to get a good reading due to so much variation in readings I personally escorted both Betty and Sheila through the clinic to discover what her condition was and whether a new pair of glasses would help her.  I brought her directly over to Leah who is one of the team’s Optometry students.  She looked into Betty’s eyes and also was having difficulty getting a good look.  Betty did have difficulty controlling her movements.  Without any initial success Betty, Sheila and I went to IMS and Dr. Tim used the retinoscope to determine a prescription.  He was able to determine she was right eye dominant and corrected her prescription so she would receive a new pair of bifocals.  At dispense Nicola fit both Sheila’s and Betty’s glasses and there were smiles all around.  Betty was able to read the 20/100 line.  We discovered that the photographer who was taking pictures during Betty’s exam process and the reporter who interviewed Tim and I with questions as to what Betty was receiving were going to print her story in the Pretoria Newspaper later that week.  The story came out in Thursday’s paper with a great photo of Betty and Leah.   –Jenna, Sears Optical 571

Jenna Morse   (We are trying to get a copy to publish here so you can see the story)

 

Wow! What an adventure.  This is my first mission and day 4 of clinic.  The people of Mamelodi are gracious and have the biggest smiles when they greet us, even after standing in the rain for hours. It is an amazing experience and one to for sure warm the heart.  It’s all about “giving back” and this mission is certainly doing that for me.

Special hello to all my family and friends at home.  –Anne, LensCrafters 907, Hamilton, Ont. Canada

Anne Di Francesco

 

December 2, 2011

OneSight Fans For Life!!!

By dgarvin

World AIDS Awareness Day, December 1, 2011:

Hello from beautiful South Africa!  What a remarkable experience traveling so far away to help with the “Gift of Sight!”   It’s been a great experience arriving every morning to the clinic site and being greeted  by the local community with a song!   The best part of the OneSight experience is helping people who have an incredible amount of patience and are so appreciative of the eye care that OneSight is providing!  It’s also been a great experience working with “Team South Africa”!  Everyone on the team has worked so hard and contributed significantly making this an incredible experience!

T Miller OD

 

Hello all at home! Today is the 3^rd day of clinic and what an experience it’s been. One would never truly understand how appreciative and patient these elderly people are until actually dispensing them all day. The expressions and outbreaks of joy is absolutely amazing. OneSight is an awesome  initiative  and it’s inspired me to do more and also encourage others to get involved.  Well done “Team South Africa” !!!!!

Ibteshaam Kolbe  OD

Today, a 16-year-old girl came into the clinic who had been through the day before.  She came back to thank us and learn more about One Sight.  She explained that she never knew she had bad vision until we provided her with the proper vision correction.  She was very emotional and asked many questions about the foundation and the company.  It was amazing to chat with someone from another country about how great Luxottica is.  I am excited to see what the rest of the clinic days will bring!

Zach Nolden

(Photo with Josephine Oscarsson)

 

Oggi una ragazza di 16 anni e’ ripassata dalla clinica.  Era venuta gia’ ieri per gli occhiali. E’ tornata per ringraziarci e sapere qualcosa di piu’ su One Sight.  Ci ha spiegato  che non aveva mai saputo di avere problemi alla vista sino a quando ieri, quacluno non le ha fatto un corretto  esame e le ha dato il giusto paio di occhiali con la giusta correzione. Era molto emozionata e ha fatto un sacco di domande sulla fondazione One Sight e su Luxottica. E’ stato incredibile parlare con qualcuno di un’altro paese cosi’ diverso dal nostro, di come Luxottica sia un’azienda davvero fantastica e di quanto porti alle comunita’ con le quali entra in contatto.

Sono emozionato e non so davvero cos’altro potranno portare I prossimi giorni di clinica!

Zach Nolden

(Foto con Josephine Oscarsson)

 

December 2, 2011

Thursday at Clinic—Life Changing

By dgarvin

Doctor visit to Home for Special Needs Children:   December 1, 2011

A smile can cause boundaries to melt, hearts to warm up, and distances to reduce. Today was a day with many smiles, but in particular, the smile of an 8-year old born with cerebral palsy who we visited at a daycare for children with disabilities.  One tends to think that if a child has reduced mental abilities or reduced mobility or any other handicap, then why bother with these children, they don’t understand the world around them anyway. Well, that is not the case as I witnessed how much a pair of glasses can change someone’s world, even for a child with reduced mental abilities.

The daycare is the home of 15 children with various disabilities, mainly cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus. When we entered the room, we were greeted with all sorts of emotions, from smiles, to cries, to blank stares. In one of the strollers, there was a girl who didn’t even look at us, she was just rocking back and forth, head down, and buried in her own world. Her name is Gunze. We tried to greet her but that only seemed to irritate her more. Another child was a little boy laying on a blanket who kept smiling at us and couldn’t wait for our attention. His name, translated into English, means Happiness.  Maria, a 23-year old woman, who has cerebral palsy, was happy to interact with us and give us smiles. She appeared to us to be about 15 years old. Another boy who suffers of hydrocephalus, whose given name translates to Gift, was making eye contact with us and probably wondering who we were.

After we made a general assessment of all the children, we proceeded with putting drops in their eyes so we could give them the best eye exam possible. We continued with our eye examination for all the children by evaluating external and internal eye health and fortunately there were no major issues found. Lastly, we determined if any of the children would benefit from corrective lenses. Of all the children, only two required glasses: Gunze and Maria.

At first, Maria was not sure how to accept the glasses, probably a little scared of having something on her face. But only after a few minutes we noticed something changed in her perception of her world. And then she gave us plenty of smiles. Even while we were with the other kids, I glanced at her and noticed how she was looking with interest at something in the distance, it was certainly not a blank stare.

Gunze’s examination was an effort of 3 different doctors and numerous caregivers. We discovered that she had a significant amount of nearsightedness. We searched our inventory and found a beautiful pair perfect for an 8 year old girl. And then the magic happened. The moment we put those glasses on her face, the rocking stopped and she immediately started to look around, taking in the surroundings and the people around her. She discovered a new world. Her reaction was one of surprise, and then she slowly started to smile. It was a moment full of emotions, cheers, and even tears.

This experience transformed us all, especially the caregivers.  It was such a surprise to them to see the impact a pair of glasses could make on these two children. They never thought their vision could have been impaired as the children were never were able to communicate that. We will never forget these moments. They will stay in our hearts forever. We put smiles on two more faces today, and that is a successful clinic.

Drs. Simona, Ron, and Steve

December 2, 2011

Day 3—What a Day!

By dgarvin

One of the greatest opportunities the mission has given so far was to dispense prescription glasses and sun glasses to a man 103 years old.  Before I dispensed the glasses one of the team captains approached me to make sure that we documented this man. With no other details, I wondered what was extraordinary about this man who appeared to be in his early sixties. After glancing over his date of birth I was floored by his age and the great health he had. To think about what this man has witnessed in over a century and still maintained a beautiful character, offered quite a bit in the lessons of life.  This man had a wisdom and ease about him, as though he held a secret on how to value life and make the most of it. His demeanor was filled with love and gratitude, and appeared to be experiencing the world as a constant unraveling of gifts. I felt honored and grateful to meet him, and whenever I think about him I am thoroughly reminded how amazing it is to be alive.

Erik Anderson, Clinic Team Member

December 2, 2011

Photo to Story of 103-Year Old Man

By dgarvin

November 29, 2011

Tuesday Nov. 29, 2011

By dgarvin

Shawn Plunkett’s Story

Today I had a volunteer approach me named Given (named by his parents as a gift from God) from the Charity and Faith Church, who began to share his perspective on the clinic.  Within a sentence I knew I had to get that on video.  I got out my camera and begin to record.  What he said caught me off guard and struck me to the core.  He told me how he felt our mission was healing marriages in South Africa.  He said that normally men and women do not go places and do things together, especially the older ones.  The men are involved in business or other affairs.  He said it is so beautiful to see husbands and wives holding hands and coming to the clinic together.  He said he believes this is an instrument from above to restore marriages in the area of Mamelodi and thanked us for being here.   Please watch the video as I cannot do it justice in words.  It can be seen on Facebook at One Sight South Africa 2011. 

November 28, 2011

Captain’s Log—Monday 11/28/11

By dgarvin

Captain’s log…stardate 11/28/11Here we are in South Africa! All 41 team members have arrived, minus 4 bags but we are all safe, happy and beginning our adventure. Our day started out at 6:15am (we are 7 hours ahead of Eastern Time) at the Farm Inn. We had our Orientation meeting immediately following in the garden where we aligned our goals and expectations for the clinic while the lions roared in the background. We all agreed that maintaining a safe clinic environment, preserving the experience for the team and building relationships is the foundation of the next two weeks. We are proud and honored to be here representing LUX and the globe!

After a 45 minute drive we arrived in Mamelodi, South Africa and the site of our clinic. The clinic is being set within the Charity and Faith Church. The church is set inside a compound that also houses health care, hospice, a school, an orphanage and a home for special needs children. Within 4 hours the sanctuary transformed into maze of stations, procedures and waiting areas adorned with flags and banners representing OneSight and the Afican language and culture. It was amazing to watch our team walking through the site and visualizing a process that flows and can efficiently serve the many thousands that are waiting for eyecare.

November 25, 2011

On Our Way!

By dgarvin

As our leaders are already en route, the rest of our team will be leaving tomorrow to meet up in Mamelodi, South Africa. Save travels everyone! See you soon.