Guatemala, 2006 Mission | The Eye Center, Eugene Oregon

Thailand, 2008

Returning to Thailand for another eye camp was particularly special in 2008. My good friend and colleague, Dr Keyhan Aryah was to accompany the group. Keyhan and I had gone through an arduous four year residency at the University of Utah. We were now anxious to collaborate in this humanitarian effort. Our families and staff completed the expedition.The first of two camps was Langu Hospital in Satun Province. This is in the southern most part of Thailand adjacent to the Malaysian border. With a large Muslim population and recent violent uprisings we were put on notice to stay with our hosts avoiding danger flash points. We set to work completing 97 sight restoring operations between August 24-26, 2008. This was most gratifying, working with Drs Pawit Vanichanon, Somsran Watanachote, Sunatree Tandhanand, Tipapan Sang-On, Sitthichai Mala, Santa Methasiri and Thidanan Rattanatam. What an amazing group of Thai doctors and volunteer nurses, too numerous to list. All were experienced, talented and altruistic. We enjoyed a sharing of ideas and methods, enhancing our efficiency in high volume, advanced cataract surgery.Our groups separated with the US contingent taking some much needed R&R on a small island in the Andaman Sea.

Regrouping in Phayao Province, Thailand for the second camp, we virtually travelled from the southern most point to the far north. Chiang Kham Hospital was the destination for an additional 149 sight restoring surgeries. This frenetic pace of surgical turnovers was modified by intervals of Thai massage. The expert masseuses delivered their magic in the operating recovery area. We were rejuvenated from our crouching postures at the microscopes to continue the marathon. The following morning the patients were greeted in a rooftop auditorium where they had slept on mats with their families. We watched the glee spread as the blind were now made to see. All patients had restored vision. Several speeches were given by patients representatives. We, in turn thanked the patients for their trust in us. The traditional WAI, or Thai greeting of clasping the hands in prayer fashion, was supplanted by western hugs, as the euphoria spread.

We returned to Bangkok for a celebration hosted by People Eye Care Foundation. Many dignitaries were present. We were thanked for our kindness and altruism. We thanked the hosts and people of Thailand for this opportunity to feel so incredibly good about helping others.