In total 10 operable cataracts were found during the two camps, but only 5 patients agreed to come to Pokhara for surgery. Of those 5, after a more detailed investigation, two were told that it was best to wait another year before surgery leaving just three. One lady with glaucoma also accompanied us and was prescribed eye drops and glasses to help her condition.
The day after admissions and all the necessary tests, they were all made ready for their operations and the local anaesthetics were given. At this point, one of the gentlemen got scared, jumped up off the bed and ran out of the operating theatre, declaring he had changed his mind! No amount of counselling would persuade him to go through with it, despite a previously successful cataract operation in his other eye, and so his eye was patched up to protect it while the meds wore off and he sat and waited for the others to come out of surgery.
Of the two who were brave enough to go through with the surgery, both operations were deemed to be a success. Our lady patient could see well and will only need to go to Waling after two weeks for a check-up. Our gentleman’s vision was still very blurry, but the prognosis is good and with the use of drops should begin to clear. He will need to return to Pokhara to have his eyes rechecked, again after two weeks. Sadly the gentleman with corneal ulcers from Sirkot chose his buffalo and livelihood over his eyesight and did not join us.
In total over a 7 year period, we have given the gift of sight to 145 cataract inflicted patients – covering all the associated costs. This wouldnt be possible without the ongoing love and generosity of One World One Heart and Kutumba Global Treasures.
At the same time as the cataract operations were going on, five of the 9 ladies identified with stage 3 uterine prolapse were escorted to the Western Regional Hospital also in Pokhara, for further assessment and where necessary, to get their names on the operating list for free surgery. Three opted for the insertion of ring pessaries rather than surgery and the other two were given dates to return to have their operations performed.
We cannot thank enough everyone who worked together to make these camps and follow-up trips so successful. First and foremost, Dr Del Endres and One World One Heart Foundation for raising the funds. Tila Ale, Kumar Rana, Jhalak Khanal and Hari Bhusal for all their hard work in pulling together everything in advance of the camps and for working so tirelessly during them. Our health care providers: The eye team, Anup Subedi, Sudarshan Poudel and Dinesh Barai from the Pokhara Eye Hospital. The gynaecological team, Drs Saroj Thapa and Pawan Aryal, supported by Mithu Dhakal and Nilu Ale. The dental team, Dr Kiran Gayali and dental hygienist Jhalak Khanal. Our pharmacists, Ali Buddha and Tila Ale. The blood sugar check station and the blood pressure/weight stations were run by local staff nurses.
Last but not least a big thank you to both Gabde and Sirkot Schools for letting us use their premises to run the camps and also the youth clubs from both villages for helping keep everything running smoothly.