Author: Paul Purvis

Today the last day of the eye project for 2019, we announce the heroes of our project and award all the prizes. At the bottom of this page is the official announcement.

STORIES FROM TODAY

Vilisi Salafabisi is the CBR Co-ordinator for the Fijian Society for the Blind. She, with her team of carers, accompanied the last group of TEP patients for 2019.

Vilisi has been coming with patients to the Taveuni Eye Project since it started 14 years ago.

On behalf of FSB and her patients she thanked Rotary, Michael, Dr Jeff and the medical team for the wonderful gift of sight. She acknowledged Geoffrey Amos thanking him for his amazing support and vision in instigating the Taveuni Eye Project.

‘We work together to avoid and overcome blindness.
‘ Blessings to the patients and the TEP team – we wish you all a safe trip home.’

Julia Peters came to TEP with her granddaughter Ellen and her husband. Both of them have been looking after her since she went blind about 18 months ago. ‘I have been living in the dark’ says Julia.

She says being blind is frightening and frustrating. She had to stop cooking and baking, and of course can no longer drive!

This morning Julia could see Ellen and her husband clearly for the first time in a long time. And she was so excited to see 3 ripe pawpaws on a tree in the distance!

‘Please thank the TEP medical team, Rotary and the FSB for this amazing gift of sight’ Julia requested.

Kasanita Taraki came to Taveuni from Nakelo, Tailevu. Her eye sight had deteriorated over some years and 18 months ago she went blind. In her words she ‘lost her sight day by day’.

Her sister told her about the Taveuni Eye Project. FSB had sent a field worker to her village and she collected the information to give Kasanita.

‘I was totally blind and now I can see. My tears are tears of joy – I have been given a miracle.’

THE WINNERS

Every one of the doctors, nurses, ancillary staff, the cooks, the cleaners, the technicians, the administrators and the history keepers. To the Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services and to the Fiji Society for the Blind. To the patients, for being patient and for their endless humour and wonderful singing.
To the Rotary clubs across the world, the supporters whose names appear on every page and the private donors who made this whole project viable.
And to a man who is no longer with us, who had the vision.

We will be here again in 2020.

Final Roundup of the Project

Project Total

Cataracts 216

Pterygiums 81

Others 7

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.

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.

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:

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.

A moving and important day for the whole project, as president of the Rotary Club of Taveuni, Bob Goddess, unveiled a plaque to the late Geoffrey Amos, a founding father of the club but more significantly the driving force behind the Taveuni Eye Project. Bob’s address was very moving. You can read it HERE if you wish. Without Geoffrey there would be no project. With the help of Rotary district 9920 and the Rotary clubs of Boronia in Victoria, Australia and the Rotary Club of Newmarket, in Auckland, New Zealand the project continues. President Bob Goddess added ” When patients walk past this plaque they will always remember Geoffrey Amos’ beautiful smile”. Geoffrey would be proud.

STORIES FROM TODAY

Keleni Marawa is from Narata village, not too far from Nadi, in Nadroga province. She lives at home with her husband, son and his wife and has 4 grandchildren. She has a special connection that your editor just had to mention: her son is Joeli Lutumailagi one of the famous Fiji Sevens Rugby team. He played for Fiji in both NZ and Australia in 2017. But back to Keleni’s story – she grows cassava, kumera and other vegetables like most Fijians. The picture was taken just before she entered the theatre. Of course we are confident of the procedure’s success – we will be waiting for tomorrow morning’s ‘reveal’ to tell all.

You may ask yourself: ‘How does the eye project manage to find all of these Fijians eligible for cataract and pterygium surgery?’ The answer is: The Fijian Society for the Blind(FBS). They have offices, mostly funded from overseas donations and managed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. They employ a number of trained staff who go out into the most extreme parts of the country, looking for candidates for eye surgery. I spoke to Kara Senitiki, one of these hard working people. She had escorted 39 patients from the western area of Viti Levu to Taveuni. Kara has worked for the FBS for 10 years. She often has to stay out overnight to see patients in distant places, carrying her ophthalmoscope.( see picture)The FBS has offices in Tavua, Nadi, Nausori, Navua and Labasa. The TEP gives the blind society a grant each year to help pay the staff. The FBS provide mobility and orientation training for the blind, teach their clients daily living skills and fine and gross motor skills. Kara says part of the reason for an increase in eye problems is due to the growth in NCD’s – non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes. Kara reminded me that many of the people she is caring for had never left their village. “What does the boat look like?”, they asked. “Is it like a small house?”

Kara spoke to me at length about the program she is actively involved with and if you would like to listen, click or tap this link Another most moving story was related to me about a lady living in the hills behind Nadi. Kara only found her, totally blind with cataracts, last Friday. HERE is her story. Warning: Not for the faint hearted…

Opeti Susu is from Korovuta village near Nadi. He lives with his wife, and four children. Opeti is a pastor with the Christian Missionary Fellowship (CMF). Being quite blind means he cannot read or preach in the way he would like. He has had eight years of low vision and simply cannot wait to get back to his chosen calling.

Imeri Namoli is from Uto village in Ba province Imeri’s special story is quite astounding. She has been totally blind for six years and will have surgery today and tomorrow by our panel of ophthalmologists. Imeri is a vegetarian and follow the beliefs of the Assemblies of God. She usually fasts, having no breakfast or liquids until lunchtime. However she was persuaded to have a nicely cooked breakfast today prior to surgery. Thanks Joey!

We finish today with a quote from a patient who will certainly remain nameless….

“It’s hard to steal a chicken if you can’t see the chicken”

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 Daily Report

Daily Total	Project Total
Cataracts 22	Cataracts 157
Pterygiums 13	Pterygiums 34
Others 0	Others 11
Total Operations 35	Total Operations 202

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.

Another simply perfect day in Taveuni. It’s not called the Garden Island for no reason. Often steady rain at night followed by warm days and a great volcanic soil means that almost any crop that is suited to a tropical environment will grow here. Taveuni is famous for a magnificent flowering plant that grows only on Taveuni – the Tagimoucia (Medinilla waterhousei). Easily recognisable for its crimson and white flowers in 30 cm-long hanging clusters.

• 

• 

To make it possible for our band of surgeons and the entire medical team to have a well deserved day off, Dr Greg Booth and Dr David Pendergrast spent Saturday preparing the new arrivals for surgery on Monday. This will mean that a group of our volunteers can take advantage of a wonderful offer from the owners and operators of one of Taveuni’s finest resorts Paradise Taveuni to visit and have lunch – and perhaps a swim in their delightful pool. Thanks Terri and Alan.

• 

• 

The logistics and patient care teams were still hard at work behind the scenes making sure that the 42 who arrived on Saturday had settled in and the 60 plus expected this coming week had a place to stay and could be moved in when they arrive on Monday and Tuesday.

Today 85 patients and carers departed on the Lomaiviti Princess 5, bound for Savusavu and Suva. The picture below shows a group of them patiently waiting for their turn to board the mini bus or dual cab for the short trip to the ferry. In talking to them they all agreed they had been very well cared for and were very pleased with the eye surgery results. They were going back to encourage others to attend the program in the future.

• 

• 

The Daily Report

Daily Total	Project Total
Total Operations 0	Total Operations 167
Others 0	Others 11
Pterygiums 0	Pterygiums 21
Cataracts 0	Cataracts 135

If you would like some more information about the Taveuni Eye Project (TEP) please feel free to fill in the form below.

An important morning for all of Friday’s patients. The removal of the dressings. Everyone hoping that their vision is restored – and of course for many that won’t happen immediately. For those whose home has been the hospital for some days, this is the day they will be packing up, ready to return to their homes in every corner of the country. The Lomaiviti Princess sails on Sunday.

STORIES FROM TODAY

Life continues at Taveuni Hospital. Every day another batch of Fijian people of all ages and background arrive to have their eyesight restored. Pictured here are those that had surgery on Friday. The dressings are soon to be removed by Dr Jeff Rutgard and checked by the other members of the medical team. Time to go home!

Meanwhile all the new arrivals on the Saturday vessel from Suva and Savusavu have arrived and are settling into hospital life. A group of willing children are shown here helping Joey and her catering team prepare some hearty meals. No prizes, but can you guess the name of the root crop they are preparing?

Our volunteer medical team – Profiles

Dr Grace Richter went to Columbia University for her Medical Degree, as well as her Masters in Public Health. After completing her ophthalmology residency at the University of Southern California, she served as the assistant chief of service for ophthalmology at the Los Angeles County Medical Center .  Dr. Richter is passionate about international ophthalmology and enjoys volunteering her time to perform and teach manual small incision cataract surgery in developing areas of the world. She is shown here operating in the theatre at Taveuni Hospital.

Dr. Jeffrey Rutgard is an ophthalmologist in Mililani, Hawaii. He received his medical degree from University of Illinois College of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years. Since 1999, he has participated in over 170 eye missions, performed over 100,000 humanitarian eye examinations, and over 11,000 humanitarian eye surgeries which have transformed the lives of the tjose in impoverished locations worldwide. He has trained over 1,000 ophthalmologists worldwide to perform Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS). This is his fourteenth mission to Fiji and has brought untold benefits to the people og this country with cataract issues.

Dr David Pendergrast is an ophthalmologist at Auckland Eye. in New Zealand. David trained in Medicine at Auckland School of Medicine and in Ophthalmology in Auckland and Bristol, UK. Corneal surgery is presently undergoing an exciting period of rapid advancement with the introduction of new techniques and technologies. David is part of our wonderful team and we are thrilled to have him with us. David is married to Lois who is an Ophthalmic Nurse 

Dr. Federico Rupil is an ophthalmologist from Argentina and has been part of our team for many years.

Our medical team:

• Dr Greg Booth
• Ineke Van Laar R.N.
• Lorna Cammick
• Jan Beamish, R.N.
• Florence, R.N.
• Narieta, R.N.
• Krishneel, R.N.
• Matelita
• Barbara Mossman
• Shirley Donnelley, R.N.
• Louise Pendergrast
• Helene Brown
• Lorraine Czeip

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.

The Daily Report

Daily Total	Project Total
Total Operations 0	Total Operations 167
Others 0	Others 11
Pterygiums 0	Pterygiums 21
Cataracts 0	Cataracts 135

An absolutely perfect Taveuni day. Warm, but not too warm, a gentle breeze and smooth seas. Meanwhile at Taveuni hospital dozens of patients waited their turn to have cataracts removed from their second eye and new patients joined the ordered queue.

Serious work by our doctors, nurses and volunteers. But there are some fun moments. Two of our volunteers and members of the Rotary club of Taveuni, spent the afternoon fishing and managed to find enough fresh fish to feed the team for a couple of days. I can tell you – the sashimi was spectacular! It’s Friday night and even volunteers need to relax.

STORIES FROM TODAY

Litimai is from Dama village in Ra. She is not a young woman but enjoys village life. She travels into Suva twice a week to shop. Litimai relies on social welfare for support which is managed by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation (MWCPA). She finds the villagers support her by supplying locally grown vegetables and these, together with her ‘seniors’ government allowance, are sufficient to keep her healthy. Now with new vision her future life seems well assured.

---

This wonderful lady was born in the province of Bua. She now lives in Savusavu on Vanua Levu and during the time of her surgery stays with her daughter, school teacher at South Taveuni, Maya Wati. Maya is a graduate of the Fulton College in Suva. Brij Kumari was well supported by her family on this very important day and will be feeling confident of good sight in the coming weeks.

One of the most moving scenes at Taveuni Hospital is the way others help patients move around from theatre to a resting place. This little video, shown below, is an example.

---

---

And another moving video…

Bhan Mati is having her second eye attended to today. She comes from Nasarwaqa village in Bua province. She is staying with her son and daughter in law on Taveuni island so that she can easily access the hospital. She is a good Fijian and has added six daughters and four boys to the population! Her husband has an unusual occupation – he manages livestock. Sheep, goats, cattle chickens and ducks. Twenty nine grandchildren and nine great grand children. A wonderful family. I promised I would mention some of the grand children’s names so here are a few:

• Amlesh Ajnesh Ram
• Arunesh Avishek Ram
• Araav Aniketh Ram
• Akansha Anandika
• Nandani Shewani Devi
• Artisha Devi …and twenty three more…

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.

The Daily Report

Daily Total	Project Total
Cataracts 27	Cataracts 135
Pterygiums 2	Pterygiums 21
Others 0	Others 11
Total Operations 29	Total Operations 167

It is FIJI Day today. Celebrating all the good things Fiji has to offer! The flag you see was first flown on 10th October 1970. The Union Jack (upper left), is representative of the country’s long association with Great Britain. The flag’s blue field is symbolic of the surrounding Pacific Ocean. The coat of arms display a golden British lion holding a cocoa pod, as well as panels displaying a palm tree, sugar cane, bananas and dove of peace

No easing up just because it is a Fiji-wide holiday! Our surgeons, nurses and all our volunteers are well rested and ready for action!

STORIES FROM TODAY

Makalese is from Koro, known to many as Denarau island. Hers was a relatively easy journey only having to catch the bus to Suva and then to Taveuni on the ship. Our volunteer drivers picked her up from the ship and drove her the short distance to Taveuni hospital. She is mum to one boy and three pretty girls (her words). She is looking forward to going home on Sunday. She had cataract surgery yesterday and this morning the dressings were removed by Dr Jeff Rutgard and his band of willing assistants. Her eyesight is restored and she will be resuming normal life in a week or so.

Taniela is from the village of Navai in the district of Nadarivatu in the province of Naitasiri. In the dry season you can walk to Nadarivatu (30km southeast of Tavua). From here you can hike to Fiji’s highest peak, Tomanivi (1323m, also known as Mt Victoria) or to Mt Lomalagi (‘sky’ or ‘heaven’ in Fijian). Taniela is married to Anarieta and they have six children,. SIX in Fijian is ‘ono’. The picture you see above was taken just as his dressing was removed. He is confident of full and excellent sight in a few days.

---

Patients have breakfast in the morning and then wait their turn for surgery. Some, whose eyesight is very poor, are helped to the waiting area adjacent to the theatres.

---

Marama, pictured on the left, is from Malake in Ra province, about 100 km north of the capital Suva. Here she is with her new friend Timaleti whose picture you may remember from a few days ago. She has five children, two handsome lads and three perfect girls! She has had one cataract attended to and her sight is restored. A very good news story. Of course there are hundreds more such stories and the picture below shows some on the first day of their improved vision.

Epele is a retired police officer from Navitilevu village in Ra province on Viti Levu, the principal island of Fiji. His wife Lusiana and his five children now spend time in their retirement growing cassava, cucumbers and bananas. He is wearing a Fiji shirt showing his allegiance to his country on their national holiday.

After the patients have removed their eye patches and before they return to have a rest, they are given strict instructions on the care of their eyes. This video tells all….

Finally, in today’s edition is the story of Bale. She lives in the village of Navuso, a 70c bus ride from Nausori. (a great way to measure distance). She is mother to seven children and is supported by her son Navi. Her surgery was on Monday. Dr Grace Richter detected a minor problem and asked her to stay at the hospital a little longer. She tells me she is feeling much better today and can’t wait to get on the ship home on Sunday.

---

Like so many patients at the Taveuni Eye Project I can sign off today by saying – “see you tomorrow”

The Daily Report

Daily Total	Project Total
Cataracts 32	Cataracts 108
Pterygiums 3	Pterygiums 19
Others 0	Others 11
Total Operations 35	Total Operations 138

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.

A wild and wet start to the day but as I write there is a glimpse of sunshine. Taveuni hospital was so busy today with patients arriving from Viti Levu overnight and many escorted children. Our first hiccup late yesterday. The boat from Suva could not proceed from Savusavu for technical reasons. Our quick thinking management team (Michael Prasad) hired buses to take the patients, many of them young children, by road to the landing at Natuvu. Goundar shipping kindly delayed the Lomaiviti Princess 5 so as to accommodate our large group. It was a late night for many. Patients were eventually settled in the Wairiki parish hall. Our amazing volunteers were run off their feet keeping up with the new arrivals. We have some wonderful stories for you today and I hope you enjoy reading them.

STORIES FROM TODAY

Aseri is from Tailevu province and he travelled to Taveuni with his father and carer Miriama Dilo from Laselase village in Nadroga. He was assessed by Dr Jeff Rutgard with his team and awaits his turn now for further treatment.

Other young patients VERY excited about their trip to Taveuni, were Kesaia Raicole, Tokimi Qali, Kasamita Vakaloloma and Nabuka Rokovesa.

Lokimi is 84 years of age and still gets around his village of Raviravi (literally means “something you can lean on”) in the province of Ra. He has been a farmer all his life, growing dalo, yaqona, cassava and other cash crops. To keep an ‘eye’ on all this family he is looking forward to today’s surgery.

And here is the most incredible thing: He has 8 children, 19 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Samuela is a local Taveuni man and lives with his wife and two sons in Lovonivonu village. His wife, Siteri Udite explains: Samuela lost his legs as a result of diabetes. He had his first cataract removed yesterday and was so excited when the dressing was removed this morning he wanted to jump in the air with pleasure! He will have the cataract in his other eye removed tomorrow.

Bill really does have trouble with his eyes. Some years ago he found he had a detached retina and this has been fixed a number of times. This time around it is a cataract and he has certainly come to the right place to have it fixed. With him is one of our wonderful volunteers, Cathy Postlewaight helping with an eye test. Bill lives on Naitauba, an island in Northern Lau. He will never get better ophthalmic help than right here in Taveuni hospital.

The Daily Report

Daily Total	Project Total	Project News
Cataracts 27	Cataracts 76	Arrivals
Pterygiums 3	Pterygiums 16	Departures
Others 0	Others 11	Special Visitors
Total Operations 30	Total Operations 92	Videos

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.

A wet and windy day in Waiyevo for day two of the eye project. This will not worry the patients who are comfortably housed on the hospital grounds and enjoying great food prepared by Joey Amos and her band of volunteers.

The patients from day one of the Taveuni eye project gathered this morning to receive their discharge papers and this little video shows them receiving their documents (videos thanks to Peter Malden)

And here the patients are showing their pleasure in the traditional Fijian way – by singing!

STORIES FROM TODAY

Vivita Lauvili is from the village of Sawani in the province of Bua on Vanua Levu. If you are interested please feel free to select this link to learn about her wonderful home. It was a great effort to get to the hospital in time for today’s surgery. First by truck from her village at 2am yesterday and then to Natuvu on Vanua Levu and then across on the ferry to Taveuni and finally the minibus trip to the hospital. She said “I didn’t mind the trip. All I want is for eyes to be fixed” And fixed they will be by the super-talented surgeons. Vivita has two beautiful girls and enjoys life gardening and fishing.

Jitendra is very much a local. He lives but a few minutes away in Yati settlement in Waiyevo and came to the hospital today with his mother. He lives with his mother and brother and works as a bowser attendant. Jitendra also suffers from diabetes mellitus which further complicates his eye issue. He wants to work to help support his family but his eyesight limitation makes it very difficult. Hopefully after today he can return to normal duties.

Siokaveti also comes from the village of Sawani in Bua province.Her journey involved trucks, boats and buses. She is quite a remarkable woman. She lives in her home with her husband, with her son, his wife and their 4 children. She also has 2 beautiful granddaughters and 2 handsome grandsons!. Her son supports her family, growing dalo, cassava, tapioca, cabbages and bele. Not to forget the inevitable yaqona! She told me “I had a good night’s sleep on my mattress last night and I am ready to have me eyes fixed” I was very moved by her story.

In your yearly plans please remember to consider 2020 Taveuni Eye Project Funding.

Meresiana also comes from Sawani in the province of Bua on Vanua Levu. She lives with her husband and SIX wonderful children – three boys and three girls. Macainieli, her husband, works very hard growing dalo, cassava, bananas and anything else that improves their diet. She does not suffer from diabetes and this will help her eyesight recovery following today’s surgery.

To finish today’s report, here are some images of other activities around the eye project at Taveuni Hospital.

The Daily Report

Daily Total	Project Total	Project News
Cataracts 23	Cataracts 49	Arrivals
Pterygiums 8	Pterygiums 13	Departures
Others 2	Others 11	Special Visitors
Total Operations 31	Total Operations 62	Videos

The Rotary Club of Taveuni, in association with Rotary clubs in New Zealand, Australia and the United States, have made eye surgery for Fiji their primary project for the year. Please visit the Rotary Club of Taveuni here and Rotary International here for more information.

What an exciting first day of our eye surgery on Taveuni! Our wonderful surgeons and their dedicated band of nurses and ancillary staff have set about restoring sight to the many hundreds of patients now on the island or travelling here. This is one of the highlights of the year for the Rotary Club of Taveuni and a huge effort has gone into making sure that everything runs smoothly.

The figures in the table at the bottom of this page will be updated at the end of each day of surgery.

FIRST SURGERY TODAY:

Rigieta Veitabei from Serua on Viti Levu was the first surgery of the 2019 eye project. Pictured is Dr Jeff Rutgard in one of the operating theatres at Taveuni hospital. Outside sit rows of patients who are waiting to be assessed or mentally preparing themselves for surgery. After surgery Rigieta will be escorted back to the sleep and rest area within the hospital and will await the removal of the dressings tomorrow. Good luck Rigieta.

STORIES FROM TODAY

Ari is from Yasawa-I-Rara island in the Yasawas, part of the province of Ba. He got to the hospital by flying in a very small aircraft to Nadi, then to Suva on the bus and finally on the Lomaiviti Princess to Taveuni .Ari is a retired public servant and is father to three lovely children. He generously offered to help me with translation today – my Fijian is still at a low level!

Sairusi is from Draubuta in the highlands of Viti Levu. That is his village you see above. His journey here was by truck from his village for an hour’s journey, then by bus to the Queens Road. Another bus trip to Queen’s wharf in Suva before joining the boat to Taveuni. No doubt when he gets home his wonderful family of three boys and four girls and his wife will be glad to have him back with them.

Tima is from Nayau an island of Fiji, a member of the Lau archipelago. She currently lives in Suva at Laucala Beach and is a retired public servant. She worked for the army and the police and is married to Philimone. They have 5 children. She is naturally a little nervous about what will happen to her today but I was able to assure her that she had nothing to fear.

Kumar is from Lautoka in Viti Levu. He is a vegetable farmer and lives with his wife and three children. He travelled to Suva by bus and then on the boat to Taveuni. He certainly is struggling with vision and is looking forward to having his operation and to the sight it will give him from tomorrow.

Sekove is from the village of Vunibau in the province of Serua. Serua is one of Fiji’s fourteen Provinces. Its 830 square kilometers occupy the southernmost areas of Viti Levu, being one of 8 provinces based on Fiji’s largest island. Sekove travelled to Taveuni by minibus and ferry. Sekove is married and has one lovely boy. He is a farmer and was quite excited about this journey.

TODAYS STATISTICS – updated at 5pm Fiji time

The Daily Report

Daily Total	Project Total	Project News
Cataracts 26	Cataracts 26	Arrivals 46
Pterygiums 5	Pterygiums 5	Departures 0
No surgery needed 9	No surgery needed 9	Special Visitors 0
Total Operations 31	Total Operations 31

In your yearly plans please remember to consider 2020 Taveuni Eye Project Funding.

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.

A cool and showery day for the arrival on Taveuni of the first 46 patients. The Goundar vessel arrived with a group of nervous but excited Fijians from around Fiji. Together with family and friends they were driven to the Taveuni sub-divisional hospital. One patient was from as far away as Yasawa – I – Rara, a great distance to travel.

When the buses discharged the patients they were escorted to their comfortable accomodation and offered a meal – very welcome after such a long journey.

Now we have to wait until Monday for the first surgery. In the meantime the patients will enjoy each others company, be given delicious meals prepared by Joey and her many helpers and then be assessed, before their time for surgery.

Our new slit lamp was installed today by Tim Way and his son. This diagnostic instrument adds to the complex array of equipment used to examine and treat our patients. Thanks Tim!

Only two days before the first surgery is performed as part of the Rotary Club of Taveuni’s TEP (Taveuni Eye Project). Volunteers are scrubbing floors and walls, furniture is being shuffled about and the kitchens are running at full capacity.

We were privileged to have had a visit to the Taveuni hospital by the Assistant Minster for Health for Fiji. Photo courtesy of Alivereti Tuinamata

The Rotary Club of Taveuni is very grateful for the support of the Government of Fiji. Without the infrastructure provided by our local hospital, the surgeries conducted would not have gone ahead.

Tomorrow, Sunday is not, in this case, a day of rest. Our eager volunteers led by Ineke, will be checking all the equipment a second and third time. Stock of dressings, medicines, eye drops, surgical equipment and all the small items that make up the project are being sorted and arranged.

Joey and her team are preparing to serve up many hundreds of meals to patients, staff and families during their stay at the hospital.

Each day we will post photos, stories, statistics and other information. Please feel free to contribute. You will notice a list of DAILY eye project reports shown on the side or at the bottom of this page. Click or tap each day to read news, see photos, listen to audio and watch video. Send a message to us by clicking HERE and our ever watchful editors will make good use of your message. 297 Patients are booked in for the project so far – this includes 5 children.

• Roundup of each of the days of the 2019 Eye Project
• Day 12 – Friday October 18th 2019
• Day 11 – Thursday October 17th 2019
• Day 10 – Wednesday October 16th 2019
• Day 9 – Tuesday October 15th 2019
• Day 8 – Monday October 14th 2019
• Day 7 – Sunday October 13th 2019
• Day 6 – Saturday October 12th 2019
• Day 5 – Friday October 11th 2019
• Day 4 – Thursday October 10th 2019
• Day 3 – Wednesday October 9th 2019
• Day 2 – Tuesday October 8th 2019
• Day 1 – Monday October 7th 2019
• ONE day to go – patients arrive

The project enhances the lives of the poorest and most remote of Fiji people. Rotary, local Volunteers and workers and the volunteer medical team thank all who have contributed to this truly magnificent humanitarian project – the largest eye surgery project in the South Pacific.