I write today’s story from high in the sky in an aircraft. I could not do it at all if my vision level was low or non-existent. Literally hundreds of Fijians can now see as a result of the Taveuni Eye Project. They can resume a normal life, grow vegetables, love their families and be fully productive to better Fiji.
STORIES FROM TODAY
You will remember Mairie (Mary) and the reaction she had to the ‘revealing’ of her first cataract surgery. She was so excited and so she should have been. On Wednesday her second cataract was removed and today, Thursday, the dressing was removed, revealing sight in both eyes. A photo of the cataract is shown – notice its size and shape. It’s no wonder she was unable to see at all for two and a half years. Below the picture of the cataract is a small video, spoken in Fijian by Mairie, thanking Rotary clubs around the world for restoring her sight.
Ron Rawul has taken annual leave from his job at Courts Fiji ( Suva) to come and help at TEP. His uncle works for the Fijian Society for the Blind and was looking for volunteers and carers and asked Ron if he was would like to come and help. This is his second year helping at TEP.
Ron says he really enjoys helping people, talking to them and especially seeing the difference after they have had their eye operations. ‘I’ll be back next year’ said Ron.
Vilisita Qelabukia heard from her brother and his wife who came to TEP for cataract surgery 2 years ago. She is starting to loose her eye sight and finding she can no longer read.
She is a retired school teacher and looking forward to seeing clearly again and helping her grandchildren with their school work.
Vilisita encouraged her daughter’s father in law to come to TEP with her for surgery which he needs too!
Laisa Karoi is here to get cataract surgery early before her eyesight deteriorates further. Reading is hard now. A doctor came to her village and encouraged people to come to TEP.
She has been working at an old people’s care home, looking after her grandchildren and growing vegetables for the market.
Luisa is looking forward to seeing more clearly and being able to read to the old people again.
Eroni Navue is a 26 year old was blinded in one eye playing rugby in a high school tournament (his team won though!)
He is now a prison officer. He enjoys his job especially helping inmates who have lost their way and he hopes he can make them better people and good citizens.
Today he was so delighted to be able to see again through his ‘blind’ eye – he didn’t think it would ever be possible to see with it again!
| Daily Total | Project Total |
|---|---|
| Cataracts 20 | Cataracts 216 |
| Pterygiums 25 | Pterygiums 81 |
| Others 0 | Others 7 |
| Total Operations 45 | Total Operations 304 |
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.