Report from 2006 Guatemala Eye Team

The 2006 joint Guatemala Eye Project with West Edmonton and Huehuetenago Rotary clubs was a huge success.  Rotary's saying "service above self" was truly demonstrated by each member of the group. The group from West Edmonton included Lorne Proctor, Michel Dorais, Ralph and Kathy Playdon, and Ben and Marley Doz. Also from Edmonton, the surgical team consisting of two ophthalmologists, Dr.'s Chris Rudnisky and Matt Tennant and their surgical nurses Harvey and Janice. Once again Dr Carlos Solarzano aided our efforts upon arrival in Guatemala. He organized host families for our members through his Huehuetenango Rotary Club and coordinated the areas for the clinics. The group left Edmonton Jan 7 and returned Jan 18

This year we were able to travel to several different communities within the state of Huehuetenango. The mobile medical clinic truck was accessed and transported equipment to the areas where we worked.

The two teams worked separately. The surgical team remained in Huehue and stationed at the National Hospital. The team had use of an operating room and was able to complete 38 eye surgeries. These included cataract and retinal detachment and cancer repairs.  Once the surgery for the patient was completed arrangements were made for the patient to stay at a local hotel overnight to ensure they would be seen the following day for post-op services and check-ups. There was a patient brought into emergency at the National Hospital who had obtained a gunshot wound to the head and eye. The emergency doctor requested assistance from Dr. Tenant given he is a specialist. For the patients that were not able to attend the National Hospital for surgery, Dr. Solarzano has volunteered his services. He scheduled a surgical clinic for Feb 7 and 8 in San Pedro Solomas Hospital and has 8 surgeries booked.

The second team was mobile and went to several rural communities.  Eye clinics were provided at the National Hospital, Colontenango, San Pedro Solomas and an orphanage in Huehuetenango.  Individuals from these communities, who required surgery, were transported to the National Hospital and the surgical team completed the necessary surgery.

Each volunteer assisted the clinics in any capacity required. Lorne Proctor took charge of the autorefractor and assisting in organizing the patient flow at the clinics. Lorne was spelled off on his duties by Ralph, Kathy and Michel. Michel and Marley dispensed ready-made readers and assisted patients chose the perfect frame. Ralph efficiently administered pharmaceuticals and explained to the patient how they needed to take the required medication. Kathy took eye pressures, and assisted everyone with their duties. Lorne and Marley also assisted the surgical team.

 Even though the group as a whole had little Spanish, communication was not an issue.  Kathy's wonderful smile, warm words and endless energy assisted in the patient seemingly to understand what she wanted from them. Ralph, through pantomime, demonstrating how to take the medication and accessing a "cheat sheet of Spanish" confidently administered the drugs. Even when Ralph was ill with a head cold, tired and had an endless runny nose, he presented as a trooper and never gave up. Patients choosing frames, who were assisted by Michel were handled by a top-notch salesman. He would hold up a mirror and tell them how beautiful they looked in the frame of their choice. Once or twice he even would whistle!  If they had difficulty he was a pro in helping them find a frame that suited them to a tee. Lorne, whose Spanish I must say improved tremendously, was able to correctly direct the patient on what to do when they sat down at the autorefractor! Each of these volunteers brought a smile to the patient's faces and a twinkle to their eyes. There were several local volunteers that acted in the role of interpreters, when available, for each of the teams.

 Kathy and Ralph handed out stickers and chocolate to the children. Several of the adults were interested in the stickers so they were delighted when they received one! Some were hesitant to receive these gifts but all seemed pleased. Michel's wife, Shauna packed up Canadian flags and ball caps, soaps, candy, puppet pens and pencils for Michel to give to the children. These were all appreciated and caused much excitement for the children. Lorne handed out t-shirts and these were eagerly taken. There is nothing that can compare to the smile and delight of a child receiving a gift.

 In total 700 individuals were seen. 215 pairs of ready-made readers were dispensed. 270 patients required glasses. These individuals had the opportunity to choose a frame of their liking. These frames were brought back to Edmonton and will be made up at the Optometrist Clinic Lab and sent back to Guatemala to be distributed to the individuals.

 At the end of the project, the teams were able to take a few days rest and relaxation and flew off to Tikal. Everyone deserved this treat.

 The Guatemala Eye Project assisted 700 people to have improved sight and eye health. One of the teachers at the orphanage where we had a clinic said this to me and I feel this encapsulates our work: " God gave us the chance to provide hope and inspiration to the young of our country. You gave them the opportunity to see the world".

 Thanks to everyone who provided funds, work, enthusiasm and their time for this project. See you all NEXT year!