This has been a truly huge day. More than fifty patients arrived on the Lomaiviti Princess yesterday, Tuesday. They were assessed, given a meal cooked in our kitchens and settled in for the night. This morning they were slowly brought to the registration area adjacent to the operating theatres. One by one they stepped forward when called to complete the formalities and then were ushered into the theatre. Our wonderful nurses have spoken quietly to them, assuring them that all will be well. Meanwhile the surgeons have checked the microscopes and other equipment, our volunteer technician has re calibrated the optical and measuring devices. All is in readiness.
STORIES FROM TODAY
Meli Rabele is from Tailevu. He heard about TEP when visiting his doctor. His eyes have been a problem since he was 14. Now it is very hard for him to see – he can’t read or see his phone. ‘It is very hard having to ask for help’.
When asked what he is looking forward to seeing clearly he says ‘my beautiful wife and 6 children!’.
Meli works for a waste management recycling company & part of his job is talking to villages and towns about recycling. His work has encouraged him to take leave to get his eyes better.
John is 87- he has been blind for 10 years – he says he been ‘sitting in the dark’. He lives with his niece who cares for him full time. When his dressings were removed he sat weeping looking at his niece saying ‘I can see, I can see’.
John thought he would never see again. He is looking forward to going to visit his nephews and see all the changes on the family farm.
John and his niece thank TEP, the wonderful medical team and all those who have made this miracle possible.
Salote Wati (70) has come to Taveuni from Tailevu. She had her left eye operated on in Suva on 2 years ago for cataracts and has come this year for her right eye. A local doctor came to the village and talked about TEP recommending people with eye problems came here.
Salote has a market stall with fruit, vegetables and handcrafts- seeing clearly will make it much easier work.
Salote lives on her own – her son lives in the UK – he is hoping his mum will visit him when she can see clearly again. She is looking forward to it being easier to read, write & email her family. And not need so much help from her friends & neighbours!
These two beautiful women have been blind for about 7 years! Today when their dressings were removed they got up and danced to celebrate – they could see again!
Neither have been walking without assistance and needing wheelchairs to & from the hospital- today they walked there!
A very special thank you to assistant editor Rosie for help putting together today’s report. 🌹I am very grateful for her capable journalism.
The Daily Report
| Daily Total | Project Total |
|---|---|
| Cataracts 27 | Cataracts 199 |
| Pterygiums 9 | Pterygiums 55 |
| Others 1 | Others 12 |
| Total Operations 0 | Total Operations 264 |
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: