Thursday was our final day at the clinic. The patients had stayed overnight so that Dr. Nelson could take a look and make sure everything was starting to heal properly. We said we wanted to leave mid morning, but didn't expect that to happen and thought Dr. Nelson would get put to work again or we'd end up with other plans. Everything went smoothly in the morning and he saw all the post ops in the main gathering room. They were up bright and early and ready to see him and thank him (again) for everything. He only operated on maybe 10 of these patients but you would have thought he saved each and every one of them. They each greeted us holding their hands in prayer and saying something in their native language. They were so thankful you would have thought I even did the surgery! Seriously.
After checking the lens and making sure everything looked alright, they gathered around for a picture. As soon as that picture session was done, all the patients crowded around Dr. Nelson grabbing his hands and trying to talk to him. I think a couple were even trying to kiss his feet or bow at his feet. I'm not quite sure what was going on! Thankfully, Sr. Innamma was there to control it. They were moving so fast around him I couldn't even get a picture to turn out. Just use your imagination.
Our last day at the clinic in pictures:
This post wraps up my visit to the clinic. I had such an amazing time there and am so glad I decided to go. It really put things in perspective when you see those less fortunate than us whom are grateful for the small things. By helping these villagers out and funding their cataract surgery, they can continue to work and provide for their families. A little goes a long way. The Sisters go out into the small villages and help those who do not have the funds for medical care in the nearest big city, Hyderabad. After testing, they bring them to the clinic for surgery.
Cataract surgery for these patients cost less than $50 after donations. At least three doctors from the area volunteer their time on a weekly basis to operate. Dr. Nelson goes once a year to take donations from the US, do surgery and see what else they need. Their goal for 2011 is to raise enough money to get a second microscope. They have the resources to do more surgery, but need an additional microscope.
If you would like to donate and help them achieve their goal, please send donations to: (the donation info on the website is incorrect as they are in the process of updating it)
To see more pictures, please click the link below that will take you to my Facebook album of the trip:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2186586&id=47200456&l=1e5cf727db
The Nelson-Curnyn Free Eye Clinic website:
http://www.nelsoncurnynfreeeyeclinic.com/index.html
After checking the lens and making sure everything looked alright, they gathered around for a picture. As soon as that picture session was done, all the patients crowded around Dr. Nelson grabbing his hands and trying to talk to him. I think a couple were even trying to kiss his feet or bow at his feet. I'm not quite sure what was going on! Thankfully, Sr. Innamma was there to control it. They were moving so fast around him I couldn't even get a picture to turn out. Just use your imagination.
Our last day at the clinic in pictures:
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| Dr. Nelson checking post ops |
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| Dr. Nelson and Sr. Innamma with all the patients |
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| Serving lunch at the canteen |
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| Serving (what looks like) mashed potatoes |
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| The staff, Dr. Nelson and I outside the hospital and clinic |
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| This little boy kept giving me a thumbs up! How cute :) |
This post wraps up my visit to the clinic. I had such an amazing time there and am so glad I decided to go. It really put things in perspective when you see those less fortunate than us whom are grateful for the small things. By helping these villagers out and funding their cataract surgery, they can continue to work and provide for their families. A little goes a long way. The Sisters go out into the small villages and help those who do not have the funds for medical care in the nearest big city, Hyderabad. After testing, they bring them to the clinic for surgery.
Cataract surgery for these patients cost less than $50 after donations. At least three doctors from the area volunteer their time on a weekly basis to operate. Dr. Nelson goes once a year to take donations from the US, do surgery and see what else they need. Their goal for 2011 is to raise enough money to get a second microscope. They have the resources to do more surgery, but need an additional microscope.
If you would like to donate and help them achieve their goal, please send donations to: (the donation info on the website is incorrect as they are in the process of updating it)
Father Ignatius Bridge of Hope for Children
c/o Dr. Gregory Nelson
1022 S. Grove Ave
Barrington, Illinois, USA, 60010
To see more pictures, please click the link below that will take you to my Facebook album of the trip:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2186586&id=47200456&l=1e5cf727db
The Nelson-Curnyn Free Eye Clinic website:
http://www.nelsoncurnynfreeeyeclinic.com/index.html
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