Kissy Eye Hospital- Sierra Leone
Kissy UMC Eye Hospital
Freetown, Sierra Leone, Africa
November 3 – November 19, 2005
It was an eventful trip.
A large waiting room over flowing with patients greeted Dr. Tim Gess and me the Monday morning after our arrival. Word had spread that Tim was bringing a new phacoemulsification machine with which to deal with cataract extractions and the implantation of intraocular lenses. Surgery began that very day. Together with Dr. Ainor Fergusson, the resident eye surgeon, 52 surgeries were performed during the two week long stay.
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Kissy Eye Hospital - cont.
ReplyDeleteWe never cease marveling at the reaction of people once confined by blindness who suddenly realize that they again can see their family and friends…the world in all its beauty. They are transformed from dependency to independence; from not being able to work to being productive; from being ignored to a person with dignity. Family members enjoy Christian videos while their loved ones are being attended…and all hear the Gospel offered by the staff in singing, praying, scriptural reading and testimonies.
We were joined the second week by Mr. Peter Gilgen, a Haag Streit service specialist, who upgraded eleven Haag Streit slit lamps and one Javal keratometer. In a different situation this servicing and repair work donated by Haag Streit and Mr. Gilgen would have cost thousands of dollars. All six lanes now have this crucial instrument in the diagnosing of eye diseases and conditions. Besides doing excellent work, his winsome ways endeared him to the Kissy staff. Our only regret was not stepping in to limit his often 11 hour work days.
We are convinced that the active and effective missionary outreach of the United Methodist Church is embodied in compassionate ministries such as Kissy UMC Eye Hospital. Without hesitation I solicit your prayerful and financial support. Lowell Gess
Lowell A. Gess, M.D.
Alexandria, MN
E-Mail = gessla@rea-alp.com