Casa Colibri Eye Mission

Hello from Guatemala
“Eye Clinic Mission – Team 27”
On November 3-11, five Rotarians from D6380 served in Guatemala on an eye mission, to support clinic Casa Colibrí, a not-for-profit humanitarian organization committed to helping the Mayan people of northwest Guatemala improve their lives through programs in health, education, and infrastructure.  The team brought with them 1200 pair of used glasses that were already sorted to ease the ability to find an appropriate pair of glasses for the patients. They also brought in and provided 1000 pairs of new sunglasses to help prevent cataracts, and 400 pairs of new readers.
Rotarians on the team :Dr. Nelson Edwards, Gerry Jackson, Pam House, Rhonda Panczyk and Terrance McNaughton
 
 
The "Why" of the mission:
In addition to the 10-hour grueling drive from Guatemala City to clinic Casa Colibrí through rough terrain and mountains, they unpacked and organized the clinic before 4 solid days planned to see patients ranging in age from school age children, through 80’s.
The team brought with them 1200 pair of used glasses that were already sorted to ease the ability to find an appropriate pair of glasses for the patients. They also brought in and provided 1000 pairs of new sunglasses to help prevent cataracts, and 400 pairs of new readers.
A total of 341 patients were seen and most were given prescription glasses. All were given sunglasses. Sunglasses were also given to anyone that came with the patient as well as to all the local children that came by for a visit.
There were 38 referrals for Cataracts. The 6 youngest were all female (ages 47, 42, 40, 38, 18 and 15).
There were 6 glaucoma cases, ages 55 to 72.
There were 3 referrals for Retina issues: a 22 yr old female, a 63 yr old male and a 65 yr old female.
There was one case of high blood pressure.
The team was able to match most of the patients in the collection of 1200 used prescription glasses and/or 400 new readers that they brought. All the unmatched glasses remain at the clinic for future missions. In addition, they made 4 special order glasses from Respectacle and one of the doctor’s will be making 8 pairs of special/specific prescription glasses. Most are for young students (approx. age 12).
Additionally, the team visited Nueva Generacion Maya, a village of about 6000 people, to evaluate the possibility of doing a 2-day extension clinic there next year when they do another eye mission at clinic Casa Colibrí.
“Our entire team was absolutely marvelous and we couldn't have had the success we had without each and every one of them. Fitting a person with glasses, so that they can see clearly for the first time, is quite an awesome experience and really does a heart good!” said Gerry Jackson, team director.
 
Additional funding came from these clubs:
Birmingham, Blenheim, Clarkston, Chatham, Chatham Sunrise, Davisburg, Dexter, Livingston Sunrise, Motorcycling Rotarians, Lakes Area, Lake Orion, Ridgetown, Southfield Area and Mauldin (District 7750)
We also had a number of donations from individuals as well as major donations in kind of eye medicines (over $25,000 worth) from Alcan and MAP International.
 
"Team 27"
 
Dr. Nelson Edwards                                                      Gerry Jackson
Rhonda Panczyk with Kids                                         Pam House
 
 
Terrance McNaughton                                               Rhonda Fitting Glasses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
People we helped!