A combined team of doctors and assistants led by Derek Feifke OD traveled to Antigua, Guatemala from March 14 to 21st, 2009. The team included OD’s Derek Feifke, Joe D’Amico, Jim Luccio, Jennifer D Amico , Karen Koumjian and Timothy O’Connor. We were assisted by an excellent team of assistants including Judith West,
Alina Luccio RDO, Zabelle D’Amico, Brendan Lawson, Alexis Koumjian, Timmy O’Connor and Ben and Gideon Feifke. The trip was largely made possible due to the hard work of Martha Julia and Stephen Sellers who facilitated all the logistical arrangements in Guatemala.

Clinics were held in the surrounding communities of Pastores, San Bartolo, Vuelta Grande ( in the scenic hills at about 7000 feet above sea level), Sta Maria de Jesus, San Bartolomeo/ Milpas Altas, and at the local Lions Clinic in the beautiful town of Antigua.

We examined approximately 1000 patients and dispensed about 1600 pairs of eyeglasses. The prescriptions that were required were a mix of both hyperopic and presbyopic corrections as well as an unusually high number of myopic and astigmatic corrections, We were fortunate in that we had a large selection of eyeglasses with us and in most cases were able to fill prescriptions from our substantial inventory. For those prescriptions we were unable to provide on site, a total of 63 eyeglasses will be fabricated in the US and are expected to be delivered to the various clinics and patients in June.

As far as pathology was concerned, our group encountered patients with cataracts, infectious disease, pterygia, aphakia, trauma, glaucoma and amblyopia. At some clinics we worked with a local ophthalmology resident who compiled lists of patients who needed referral. The prospects for treatment for many of these patients appeared promising. At weeks end we had a large number of eyeglasses and eye medications remaining. These were donated to three local charities including a child care organization, nursing home and a local church group who, in conjunction with physicians will help distribute the glasses and eye drops appropriately.

VOSH-ONE’s philosophy for examining patients has always been to do so at no charge. An uncomfortable situation arose at one clinic in Antigua when it was discovered that the local charity group whose facility we were using, were charging an entrance fee to patients.

The trip on the whole was a wonderful success with the highlight of the week being the clinic at Sta Maria de Jesus with many powerful moments and “miracles”. We were also able to enjoy much of the scenic beauty of the area with a trip to beautiful Lake Atitlan and the Mayan ruins at Iximche Tecpan. All in all it was an unforgettable week.