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| This is what it is all about ... seeing again after patch removal |
Their programme focuses on Fijians in remote villages and Islands who
could otherwise not afford the travel and accommodation costs.
Each year they conduct around 300 surgeries over 10 days - allowing
Fijians to regain their sight and contribute to their families, rather than
having to be looked after. Pioneered by Rotarian Geoffrey Amos – this is Rotary
Taveuni’s flag ship project – now in its 9th year.
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| Post-op recovery |
RCTI has built up quality Ophthalmology equipment and has the use of 2
surgical rooms at the Taveuni Hospital. Highly skilled volunteers return each
year and have developed techniques to deal with the difficult cataracts arising
in the Pacific.
In November 2014 an Ophthalmologist from USA (Dr Jeff Rutgar) and New
Zealand (Dr David Prendergast) volunteered, supported by a GP from Australia.
They were supported by 8 experienced nurses from New Zealand and Fiji.
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| Both surgical teams at work |
On arrival patients were accommodated simply at the Hospital and a
nearby school – mattresses on the open plan floor. Many patients had to stay at
Taveuni for 3-5 days because of ferry schedules. A support team of 10 organised
by RCTI managed the transport, accommodation, laundry and catering for patients
and the medical team. The scheduling of patients was challenging to maintain an
even workload for the surgical team.
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| The theatre nursing team |
Pre-Op procedures included optics measurement and local anaesthetic.
Surgical procedure involved a small incision, removal of the cataract
then insertion of an intraocular lens. In the case of Pterigiums (30%) – the
membrane covering the eye is removed. This is a more painful recovery.
Post-Op – the eye was protected with a patch – nicknamed “Spiderman”.
This was removed the next day, the eye inspected, anti bacterial drops applied,
sunglasses supplied and advice given on eye care.
“Patch off day” was emotional with lots of joy, bewilderment and
happiness. On our last Patch off day they all sang spontaneously.
Dr Jeff Rutgar commented “It
takes a lot of courage to leave their village (sometimes for the 1st
time), travel in a boat (mostly blind). Put their trust in strangers – and
their quality of life in hands of foreign strangers. It is an honour to be able
to help them – Dignifies our work
And the patients?
Patient Shoie – “I was almost completely blind. I couldn’t help at home
– I was embarrassed. My children will now come and see me – 1st time
in 10 years”
Patient Afeca “This is a
beautiful day First time I can see my own dress – no pain. Excited to see my
Grand children the first time”
Patient Kustino is a Lambasa farmer of taro & kava.” My parents have had to look after it. After 6
years of frustration I can see well now. I am very thankful”
Patient Annie “I had to retire – My Grand children led me
around the village. Now I can lead them through life”
Plans are well advanced for the 2015 Rotary Taveuni Eye Project. The
cost will be NZ$100,000.
A Global Grant will be sought again.
Please help Rotary continue restoring sight in
Fiji
Via RNZWCS Ltd (TAX DEDUCTABLE in New Zealand):
RNZWCS Westpac Account 03-1702-0192208-02 SWIFT Code: WPACNZ2W or Cheque to: RNZWCS Ltd PO Box 20309 Christchurch 8543, New Zealand RNZWCS Ltd Charities Services Reg. No. CC26860 Reference the Taveuni Eye Program (TEP) and include your Club name. Direct to Taveuni Rotary (NOT Tax Deductable in New Zealand): ASB Bank Limited, 12 Jellicoe Street, Auckland 1010
Account
Name: Rotary Club of Taveuni Island Bank
BSP
Number: 12-3110
Account
Number: 0055882
SWIFTCODE:
ASBBNZ2A
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For more information contact: Geoffrey Amos, Rotary Club of Taveuni Island,
Photo credit: Bula Time Photography
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Included in April
Rotary Down Under
magazine
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