Monday, October 31, 2011

Guatemala: Dispatches from Gift of Sight camp ~ Syed Awais Ahmed

Along with getting clinical and surgical exposure, I also experienced the cheerful spirit of strong Guatemalans. During the whole process of the eye surgery they were still smiling and happy. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Gift of Sight / Humanity First
By Syed Awais Ahmed | October 29, 2011

It has been an experience of a lifetime working with Humanity First and Gift of Sight in Guatemala.

I have been mesmerized by the beautiful nature of people of Guatemala. At Proyecto Salud y Paz, I saw hundreds of young and old people lined up for eye exams. The optometrist gave out free eye glasses while the ophthalmologist screened the patients for cataract surgeries. As the patients were brought in the room, they were prepared for the surgery by dilating their respective eyes.

I was able to learn how to put the dilating cocktail in the patients eyes and start their IVs. Being in the operating room and seeing the cataract surgery being done was an amazing experience. Everyone was really relaxed in the operating room and the surgery was finished in about an hour.

Along with getting clinical and surgical exposure, I also experienced the cheerful spirit of strong Guatemalans. During the whole process of the eye surgery they were still smiling and happy.

I cannot forget the heartfelt, motherly kiss on my hands given by an old Guatemalan lady after her surgery and hearing her repeatedly say, “Gracias, gracias, muchos gracias!”

  -- Syed Awais Ahmed


Read original post here: Volunteer Insight: Syed Awais Ahmed

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