SIGHT AND HEARING MISSIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES
The Sight and Hearing Mission to the Philippines took place between 6 and 11 October. Four students, in their fourth year at LaTrobe University, gave a presentation to our Rotary Club - Kathy, Bianca, Stephanie and Yonathan.
The medical mission took place in Negors Oriental ( First District) . There were five days of screenings and surgeries. The orthoptic students were able to observe the surgeries. Sixty percent of the people were seen in schools. Four thousand four hundred and eighty patients experienced the mission both in sight and hearing. Seventy-one percent of the cataract people were operated on. Four hundred and thirty-three pairs of reading glasses were prescribed.
In general, the orthoptic students found that it was beneficial for them in terms of the future paths they would take in their career. At first, they observed what was happening around them. They all remarked that poor vision prevents Philippine students from going to school.
Bianca's perspective included the way people travelled from the mountains. She observed that there was a need for patience to be demonstrated. she was also grateful for the level of care, and found the team work heart warming.
Yonathan found the entire experience unforgettable. He described the eye conditions they treated as being in the advanced stages. The description of the operating room was intense. Six patients at a time were treated in a relatively small area. Each procedure took six minutes, and was completed without anesthetic. Most importantly, the trip led to a dramatic change for the patients for the rest of their lives.
Stephanie marveled at the way limited resources produced such massive results. Each of the cataract procedures was handled relatively quickly. There was a very strong sense of community, which pervaded the entire journey.
Kathy's desire to provide healthcare to all people was her main goal and purpose in undertaking the course at LaTrobe University. She mentioned that what they experienced in the Philippines was to help and support people who did not know what their condition was. She also experienced what can happen when a cataract is left too far on.
She left us with the commentary that healthcare facilities in Australia are something that we should be grateful for.