Unite For Sight's Cataract Surgery Program in Ghana

August 2, 2004 -- Eight hundred patients were screened, and cataract surgery was provided to 27 Humjibre patients at the Cape Coast Christian Eye Center. The Unite For Sight volunteers were trained at the eye clinic to screen for operable cataracts and prescribe eyeglasses. The volunteers then applied their knowledge in Humjibre to identify individuals with cataracts and bring them to Cape Coast for cataract surgery. After the surgery, Unite For Sight's volunteers helped the patients with their postoperative care and follow-up appointments at the eye clinic. Each cataract surgery, including transportation, postoperative care and eye medication, cost $55. The cataract surgeries were funded in part by a $500 YouthActionNet Award received by Jennifer Staple and by $1,000 raised at Unite For Sight's "Perspectives: Eyes on Public Health" Conference.

Four hundred pairs of glasses, including reading, sunglasses, and distance glasses, were given to children and adults in Humjibre. Six patients were brought by Unite For Sight's volunteers to the Cape Coast Christian Eye Centre to receive care for glaucoma and river blindness.

Unite For Sight's volunteers announced the eye clinic at church and beat the gong gong to spread the word. As the clinic went on for the second week, word spread to other communities, and patients came to the clinic from as far away as two hours. Even after the clinic ended, people brought blind relatives from long distances.

For additional information, contact JStaple@uniteforsight.org and www.uniteforsight.org.





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