The final day of the 2023 project saw nurses, medical staff and volunteers with smiles on their faces. Not just because many would be going home in a few days but also with happiness that their job was done and hundreds more Fijians had their sight restored.
Many bilateral surgeries were completed this morning before the farewell function at 11am.
We were honored by the presence of District Officer Mr Abdul Hakim and the SDMO Dr Emosi Koroi. Dr Koroi spoke highly of the team and the eye project, saying that it added so much to the focus of the Waiyevo hospital to bring the best of health to all who live on Taveuni and the nearby islands.
We had a visit today from a representative of the Taveuni Red Cross, whose picture is shown here.
Patient Stories from Today:
Seremia Maioili is from Navakawau village in the extreme south of Taveuni. She has six children, three girls and three boys. Her husband sadly passed away 3 years ago. She is proud of the fact that she has a 23-year-old grandchild who looks after her daily needs, including food and friendship. She was born at the old Taveuni Hospital, a picture of which you can find on our day three report.
She has one cataract to be surgically removed today. I asked her what she had for dinner last night at the hospital, prior to this surgery. She remarked on the quality of the excellent fish cooked in the lovo style. Well done to Josephine and her team of cooks!
Adrea Jone was interviewed by my associate yesterday. You may remember he has only one leg and had cataracts in both eyes. He was back today to have the second of his cataracts removed. He lives at home with his wife and his eldest son and his wife. Adrea’s wife does most of the farming as he is unable to get around, particularly in the wet weather. His other 4 children work in Suva.
But there is good news. Adrea’s surgery was a complete success. From being almost blind to particularly good eyesight is a tremendous outcome. He was also able to tell us the story of how a group from the LDS church from the U.S. visited his village, saw his plight with his missing leg and then arranged to have a protheses made and then fitted. The two photos shown here are of Adrea having the bandage removed and the smile on his face.
It is fitting to end our two weeks of reports with this good news story. Thank you so much for taking the time to read of the daily trials and tribulations of life as a farmer in Fiji with little vision. More than three hundred Fijians are now on the way to a better life.
Today’s Statistics:
FINALLY:
I want to add my personal thanks to the medical team, to the wonderful chefs, to the many Rotary volunteers, to the Waiyevo Hospital and to all of those that contributed to making this a memorable, outstanding, and extraordinarily successful event.
The photos below are of the farewell.
I nearly forgot to mention the lovo many of the volunteers enjoyed after the project. Here are some photos of the preparation of this famous Fijian feast!
