CATARACT CAMPS
Our teams consist of approx 5 Ophthalmologists and 5 nurses from hospitals in Scotland. They give their time free of charge and they deal with very basic conditions with great good humour. The fund pays for all flights, accommodation, medical equipment and supplies needed for the eye camp.
Dilla, Ethiopia. 2020
Our biggest team ever of 6 doctors and 5 nurses, arrived in Dilla, a small village in the south of Ethiopia. On day one they completed 69 operations which is an all time record. Overall, sight was restored to 270 people, including 4 children. The team expressed their thanks to the local medical team.
Finote Salam, Ethiopia 2019
We were very appreciative that the hospital at Finote Salam arranged at the last minute to accommodate our trip after problems had arisen at the place we had plannied to go to. Although our baggage and medical supplies were a day late in arriving, the team succeeded in doing 230 cataract operations. It was a pleasure spending time in this hospital and we hope to return.
Nekemte, Ethiopia 2017
Report by Steven Hay. We arrived with 12 large cases of supplies, set up 4 operating tables and set to work. 5 days later 211 people who had been blinded by cataracts had had their sight restored. We all enjoyed the trip and the welcome we received.
Assella, Ethiopia 2016
Report by Ergate Ayana. This camp was one of the most successful eye missions so far. We operated on 225 patients within four and a half days. We also managed to train eight local nurses and taught medical students at the outpatient department. The Ethiopian people expressed their thanks to Fiona's Eye Fund for all our help.
Sekota, Ethiopia 2014
Report by nurse Freeland. This hospital lacks basic rural eye care. We were overwhelmed by the numbers of people who turned up. Approx 250 on each day. Such was the demand for eyecare that the local police were brought in for crowd control. Fiona's sister Claire was with the team and she said it brought her great joy to witness the achievements her sister's fund has made.
Dembi Dollo 2013
Report by Fiona Freeland. Our first day was spent setting up theatre and assessing patients. The elements proved challenging: power cuts, thunderstorms and a 'dodgy' microscope. Thanks to the fund, Mitiku (Ethiopian ophthalmic nurse) will finish his training and Barnabas (trainee ophthalmic nurse will hopefully follow in his footsteps. This will make a massive difference to the quality of life of the people of Dembi Dollo.
Dembi Dollo, Ethiopia 2012
Report by Steven Hay. This was the third trip to the Fiona Dolan Eye Clinic in Dembi Dollo and this time our children came to help officially open the clinic. The screening of patients was of a high standard and we had a steady stream of patients with operable cataracts. The family were interviewed on Ethiopian TV to officially open of the clinic. The family are very happy that the clinic now has a sign outside and information about Fiona inside in 3 different languages!
Lalibela, Ethiopia 2012
Report by Ergate Ayana. Our team of 4 doctors and 5 nurses set up an eye camp in Lalibela. It was dry, dusty and extremely hot. 500 people walked up top 250 miles to get help at our camp. In all, 216 people were treated with operations to remove their damaged eye lens and replace it with an artificial one. They were able to see for the first time in many years. It is a joyous experience to see their reactions.
Arba Minch, Ethiopia 2010
Report by Dr Heather Russell. Ethiopia remains one of the least developed in the world. with 8% of the people being blind, 46% of these being blind form cataracts. The majority of Ophthalmolgists are based in the capital, Addis Ababa, leaving the rest of the country with a dearth of ophthalmic care. The work was long and hot but very rewarding. Many peolpe 'praised God' and us for giving them their sight back, several letting out cries of sheer joy when the dressings were removed.