_{Published: 07/03/2024, Reading time: 3 minutes}  

Charity in ophthalmology is a fascinating and multifaceted topic, especially relevant for dedicated ophthalmologists. The significance of charitable organizations and initiatives in this field is immense, particularly in combating preventable blindness and vision impairments in underserved regions of the world.

Global Statistics

• Blindness and Vision Impairment: According to the World Health Organization, at least 2.2 billion people globally suffer from some form of vision impairment, with at least 1 billion cases being either preventable or yet untreated ¹.
• Cataract Surgeries: It is estimated that around 20 million cataract surgeries are performed globally each year, with a significant portion supported by charitable organizations ².

Charity situation

In the world of charity eye care, there are a multitude of challenges to overcome in order to provide essential eye care to underserved communities. Financial constraints are often the biggest hurdle, as the cost of medical equipment and supplies combined with the need for trained staff can be overwhelming, especially in resource-poor areas. Access to remote and rural areas further complicates care, as this is where the need is often greatest but hardest to meet. Oertli is supporting various charity organisations worldwide. But the recent story we received from the field touched us especially.

The Guatemala charity story 

The climax of this story was evident during a recent mission in Guatemala. In just one week, the team of Dr Eduardo Ventura, MD, including the emerging surgeon, performed an impressive 88 surgeries. What was remarkable was how this surgeon, once hesitant, now operated independently, handling some of the world's most challenging cataract cases with the same efficiency and skill as their more experienced peers.

This journey is not just about personal growth of the doctor. It’s a beacon of hope for an entire community. The surgeon is soon to return to their hometown with a valuable asset – a state-of-the-art cataract machine, a gift made possible by generous donations. This tool will enable them to become one of the few specialists in their city, equipped to perform modern cataract surgeries and committed to offering life-changing procedures to those in need.

Stories of Hope and Resilience

In the realm of charitable ophthalmology, where each surgery can mean a world of difference, remarkable stories of transformation unfold. One such narrative is that of Samuel, who had lived in the shadows since the age of 10 due to a traumatic cataract. Witnessing his world brighten post-surgery was nothing short of miraculous. Similarly, the story of Pedro resonates deeply. Having lost both his vision and means of livelihood, the restoration of his sight marked not only a personal triumph but also a reminder of the fragility and value of our abilities.

The journey of brothers Dolmar and Kilver, living in the grips of poverty, further illustrates the impact of these charitable efforts. Suffering from congenital cataracts, their path to clear vision was paved by the dedicated work of Dr. Shah and completed by the recent surgeries, offering them a new lease on life. Then there's the heartwarming tale of Blanca, a mother of nine, who faced the world with one blind eye. The complex surgery that restored her sight in the other eye was a testament to the skill and dedication of Dr. Jessen and the team, turning her life around in a profound way.

Perhaps the most touching of all was the case of Guillermo, a 7-year-old boy whose world had been blurred by congenital cataracts. Observing his joy and wonder as he saw the world clearly for the first time was a poignant reminder of the profound impact these efforts have. Each of these stories, observed from the sidelines, paints a vivid picture of hope, resilience, and the life-changing power of charitable work in ophthalmology.

Dr Ventura's experience with CataRhex 3

The team's experience with the Oertli CataRhex 3 machine was a highlight. During a week-long mission, Dr Eduardo Ventura, MD, extensively used the Oertli CataRhex 3 for primarily white, brown, or red hypermature cataracts. Impressed with its performance, he noted, "The CataRhex 3 is superior in removing dense cataracts, maintaining clear corneas in almost all cases, with only mild K edema in the hardest lenses. Its anterior chamber stability is unbelievably steady, without needing active fluidics. Additionally, it's incredibly easy to set up and intuitive to use. Despite its small size, it's remarkably powerful. I definitely want one for my practice".

The Bigger Picture

As this surgeon prepared to return home, equipped to make a significant impact, their story became a testament to the far-reaching effects of such fellowship programs. It was a reminder of the heroes in ophthalmology – the trainers, the volunteers, the donors, and the resilient patients. Each surgery, each life changed, was a step towards a brighter, clearer future for communities around the world. More inspiring tales from the front lines of eye care were anticipated, where every day, miracles unfolded in the most unexpected places.