Mercy Vision, Togo Smiles, HOPE Center

I apologize for the delay in blogs. There is a lot to do everyday, and by the end of the day I am usually exhausted.  Sometimes when I think back on my day, there are so many incredible people that I’ve met and so many blessings that I do not even know where to start.  I will back track first with April 10, when I went to several field services. 

Field services are off-ship services (medical and non-medical) that Mercy Ships provides.  First, we stopped at the vision clinic, which is called Mercy Vision.  The clinic aims to reduce blindness and low vision by performing surgeries, distributing eyeglasses, and/or teaching basic eye health education. So far from January 5 – March 31, they have performed 365 cataract surgeries and 49 pterygium surgeries.  It was a screening day the day we went to the clinic.  I believe they do 1 screening day a week.  Majority of the patients have lost their vision due to cataracts and decreased eye health due to old age, but sometimes even children can get cataracts (I have no idea how this happens).  Because we are so limited in resources and tools, the criteria for being eligible for surgery is very strict, so that we can provide aid to the worst of the worst cases.  For example, an adult must have a cataract in both eyes, causing blindness or near blindness. 

Screening Day at Mercy Vision.

 Lenses 

The second place we stopped was Togo Smiles, the dental clinic.  The clinic has two screening days per week.  As of March 31, Togo Smiles performed 4,327 procedures dealing with tooth decay and infections a.k.a cavities in Lomé.  The dentist explained that most people have never gone to the dentist before since they cannot afford oral care.  Therefore, when they get a cavity, it is usually left untreated causing a complicated infection.  The dental clinic also offers health education to the patients to hopefully prevent future dental problems. 

Patients waiting to see a dentist at Togo Smiles.

That little girl came with a relative.  She was so adorable :)

I had to take a picture with all the tools!

Oral health education.

Finally the last stop was my favorite, the HOPE Center, which I just learned stands for “Hospital Out Patient Extension”.  I looked for Mokpokbo, but she was at the hospital on the ship getting her dressings changed.   However, I did see many patients that are awaiting their surgery on the ship.  As of March 31, the hospital has performed 122 maxillofacial surgeries and 66 plastic reconstructive surgeries along with 378 physical and occupational therapy services.

Several woman at the HOPE Center.

Lunch being prepared for the patients at the HOPE Center. 

The amazing thing about all these outreaches is that everything is free for the patients.  From the medical care, to providing food and board for the patients before and after surgery, to the education offered, everything is completely free.  The blind can see, the lame can walk.  These really are miracles happening around us :)

Be Blessed!

Surgeries and Health Care

Preach the Gospel always. Use words when necessary. 

                        -Francis of Assisi

Matthew 5:16

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.