Wednesday, November 17, 2010

3rd day, Gordon Heights Olongapo Clinic

It's probably way past time to introduce you to the faces of our TWECS team members.  Here we are in the beginning of the day before the heat and the workload wipe the smiles off our faces. Already we've had two team members off for the afternoon due to exhaustion and dehydration.  Fortunately they have bounced back.

 What you don't see is the 500+ eager patients watching us, many of who arrived hours before we did. For some, the long wait will be well worth it. A lady grinning from ear to ear happy to receive a +4.50 reader.

or a  determined girl of 22 who was turned away yesterday because she didn't have a ticket, only to find her way into today's clinic.  She came in wearing eyeglasses and the best that she could see with them was finger counting in front of her face...even with her glasses she was legally blind.  Her best correction was -18 Diopters.   We had to put another pair of -9 Diopter glasses on top of her own to get close to the final prescription where she was able to see 20/50.  Of course it's not practical for her to walk around with 2 pairs of glasses on so we took all the necessary measurements and information so that we can make up 2 pairs of -18 Diopter eyeglasses for her, once we return to Canada.  I was struck by how indifferent she was with her new vision and I reminded myself that for her the world literally is a complete blur; and how can you participate in a world you cannot see to enjoy?


5 comments:

  1. Loving the opportunity to keep up with what you are doing - such wonderful work. I am Georgina's step-mum so could you please let her know we're with her, indeed we're with all of you. Hilary x

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  2. Such wonderful & inspiring work you are all doing. As much as you are taking care of others take time to take care of yourselves - drink lots of water & keep up your energy levels. Much love from Vancouver! Pam & Mark xoxo

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  3. Hey. Great job out there!

    Watch those two sisters - they can be real trouble makers!!

    robert allaway

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  4. i remember..it was me and ms. susan who registered this girl and the cute little girl from her post.. It was and early Christmas gift for the people of Olongapo.. May you all be blessed with Wealth and Good Health! Thanks TWECS team.. Glad to work with you guys.. Looking forward for more.. Goad Bless Us all!=) xoxo

    -Donna Louise Ballao, RN (Philippines)

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  5. I remember this girl..I'm with Megan who checked her visual acuity.. too bad that even with glasses she could see with only counting fingers a meter away from her.. and im glad TWECS team done all what they've got just to help with her new glasses..I really had a great time working with this team.. So proud to be one of those fabulous nurses(As per Sue!) :) in behalf of my Fellow countrymen.. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS.. :)

    -Rommel M. Cherreguine (Nurse Volunteer, Philippines)

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