PacEye TEAM HEADS TO GUATEMALA
GUATEMALAN VISIT ESSENTIAL FOR THOSE WHO LIVE THERE
PacEye Doctor makes return visits and says everyone can help in some some way.
SAN LUIS OBISPO - Hospital de la Familia is located in the remote Guatemalan city of Nuevo Progreso, where many families lack what Americans might take for granted;running water, electricity, and sewage hook-ups. The lack of medical care means that many people need help. That's where Pacific Eye MD can help
Dr. Rupert Chowins Director of Optometric Services and Pacific Eye’s highest level surgical-technician Eric White are volunteering their time and expertise to help in Guatemalans who have severe need for eye care.The typical patient will travel great lengths, often several days on foot to get to the clinic. Dr. Chowins recalls a vivid two men who carried their elderly mother in a burlap sack for two days to get her help at the clinic.
Howins and White will be volunteering through Hospital de la Familia where the need for doctors is dramatic. The clinic cannot function with out volunteers. As Chowins points out,"We are the only medical facility there so we aren’t taking business away from any local doctors. Our services are desperately needed.” This is Dr. Chowins fourth trip to Guatemala in the past two years. From past experience he estimates that they will see about 1,000 patients, and perform approximately 200 sight restoring surgeries, in less than 10 days.
Each time doctors volunteer at Hospital de la Familia they bring supplies and surgery equipment. “We are incredibly efficient considering the limitations”
One of Pacific Eye’s goals is to be actively involved in the community. In doing so, Pacific Eye is combining their devotion to education and top of the line care to improve the sight of thousands of deserving Guatemalans. Dr. Chowins is passionate and genuine about volunteering, “When you go to Guatemala you get to use your education for the purest purpose. It’s for all the reasons of why you went to school in the first place”
Dr. Chowins explains that , “everyone has some capacity to help.” If you want to help those who are in need donate a pair of glasses that you no longer need or make a donation to Hospital de la Familia.
Pacific Eye’s doctors and staff are passionate about philanthropic opportunities which allow them to improve vision on a global scale. For more information contact Pacific Eye at (805) 545-8100 or visit them online at www.PacEyeMD.com.
To learn more about Hospital de la Familia go online, www.hospitaldelafamilia.com