A new day reveals all
Each day is special but today was particularly so. Let me explain. I was witness to the procedure known as ‘The Reveal’. At this time the ophthalmologists and the nursing staff remove the dressings from yesterday’s surgical patients. Five of our patients had been totally blind for many years and for the first time were able to see their surroundings. They will have their second eye cataracts removed today and within 48 hours should have good sight restored. What follows are videos of these momentous moments…
The expectation
The Reveal
The lady in the video shown above (name withheld) spoke to the large group. Here is her voice and what she had to say. Simply tap or click on this line.
Showing the patients how to care for their eyes is Lorna Cammick and in this video, spoken in Fijian (you will get the idea) she demonstrates the use of eye drops, sunglasses and general hygiene. She told the group not to worry about what others thought of their sunglasses (“Too much fancy“) or that their eye patch made them look like Spiderman.
Meanwhile life goes on at the hospital. Hundreds of meals are prepared for staff and patients. The laundry needs to be done – remember there up to 50 new eye surgery patients each day. Mountains of paperwork need to be sorted – no dollars for fancy laptops here!
Rotarian Michael Prasad shown here sorting the scans, documents and reports before compiling a surgical list. He calls a patient forward, they sign or leave their mark and then sit quietly waiting to enter the theatre.
STORIES FROM TODAY
Melania Cagi is from Naselesele, Taveuni. She really is a neighbour of mine. But hers is an unusual situation in that:
- she is young
- she has five young children
- her husband has a good job
It’s not just the poor and the elderly. Cataracts can be a huge problem for men and women of every age and racial origin. Her husband Josefi, works at a nearby five star resort Raiwasa. Her five offspring Josefa, Maria, Paulo, Josefa junior, Andrew and Fiona take a lot of looking after – difficult when your sight is restricted. Tomorrow will be a new and easier day for her family.
I asked Dr Jeff Rutgard why it was that so many Fijian people had struggled with cataracts. He explained that there were many reasons. Often cataracts were preceded by trauma, diet was an influence, the lack of early detection and many other factors. One thing that was never affected by all of this was the absolutely wonderful skill of the Fijian voice. Here is our troupe today singing “A celebration of life and glad to be here”
The Daily Report
| Daily Total | Project Total |
|---|---|
| Cataracts 13 | Cataracts 170 |
| Pterygiums 12 | Pterygiums 46 |
| Others 0 | Others 11 |
| Total Operations 25 | Total Operations 227 |
Perhaps these stories have moved you to consider helping us for next years Taveuni Eye Project. We rely on small donations from people just like you. What you give goes directly to TEP. Not a cent is wasted. The funds are carefully audited. Or perhaps you would just like some information. Simply fill in the form below:
The Rotary Club of Taveuni, in association with Rotary clubs in New Zealand, Australia and the United States, have made the eye project for Fiji their primary goal for the year. Please visit the Rotary Club of Taveuni here and Rotary International here for more information.