Monimbo 2001:  Mission Report | The Line | Registration | Traffic Management | Screening | Eye Exams | Optical Dispensary | Cataract Clinic | Dental Clinic | Medical Clinic | Pharmacy | Mobility Clinic | Invitation | Lodging | Travel Advisory | Roster | Contribute photos | Get a Video | Anita's Article | Rest and Recreation

Cataract Clinic, Masaya Hospital, 2001

Dr. Stephen Grimes and his surgical assistant Leslie Vietra made the trip to Nicaragua for a second time with NEVOSH.  Patients for the clinic are selected from those who have been rendered functionally blind by cataracts in both eyes.  Using the local hospital in Masaya for the operating theatre, Dr. Grimes removed 25 cataracts during the week.  Jean Green translated for the patients, who remain conscious during the procedure.  For the 25 patients for whom sight was restored in one eye,  life was indeed changed during this VOSH mission.  After the cataract extraction, the patients will visit the optical dispensary to be fitted with high plus glasses to replace the removed lens. 

Warning: This photo gallery contains graphic eye surgery images.

Once again this year, Dr. Grimes held court in the hospital in Masaya, removing 25 clouded lenses during the four clinic days.

This is Senor Estoban Velasquez, who got his sight back in his left eye through this procedure. All the surgical procedure pictures are of him.

Jean Green, translator for the surgical staff, Leslie, and Lee Arnold, PA.

Part of the water sterilization system at the hospital Operating Suite at Masaya. Staff would change this gauze filter daily.

Cataracts are plainly visible in this pre-op photo. Estoban's left eye has been dilated, retracting the iris and making the lens visible.

Adjusting the scope

Dr. Grimes

Instruments

Dr. Grimes has produced an incision at the top edge of Senor Velasquez' pupil. He has loosened the cataract from it's connection to ocular surface.

In this image you can clearly see the cataract being eased out of the incision.

Dr. Grimes at the Microscope

A cataract sits on a gauze pad after extraction

Senor Velasquez is steadied after the gaining his feet.

Dr Grimes commentary on 2001

This being my second mission, I thought I'd add something from experience:

1- Needy is a term that doesn't do justice to what we see down there;

2- The first year experience is somewhat intimidating---don't know what

to expect

and are a little afraid of not being good enough;

3- You don't know what HARD work is until you've been there;

4- The first year you make aquaintances with the people you work with;

5- The second year those same people are your friends forever;

6- We are truly blessed to have the talent to help these people;

7- We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to help them;

And last:

8- If it's such hard work, why can't we all wait to go again??

Signed: Steve Grimes----or as my son calls me--OLD MAN ( Hombre Viejo )

p.s. for those of us who went to the Pacific Coast (all you one red-toed

people), Matt should have won the honor going away (but I do accept it

graciously)

2008 Nandaime | 2007 Monimbo | 2006 Nandasmo | 2005 Catarina | 2005 Mus | 2004 Nindiri | 2003 Jinotepe | 2002 Ticuantepe | 2001 Monimbo | 2000 La Concepción | 1999 Masatepe | 1998 Niquinohomo | 1997 Lake Yohoa | 1996 Jutiapa | 1995 Omoa | 1994 Vera Paz | 1993 Coatepeque | 1993 Salama | 1992 Chimeltenango | 1991 Chichicastenango | 1990 Comayagua | 1989 San Manuel | 1988 Omoa | 1987 Santa Rosa

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