This past Saturday I organized for an organization called Fundación Visión to come to my community and do eye checkups for people living in my community and the other neighbor communities. I had heard about this organization through another volunteer and she had great things to say. So I called them up a couple months ago and they agreed to come out and do consultations at the school. Even though it rained we still had a good turn out. The doctors were there from 7am till noon and were able to see 74 people, give out around 20 reading glasses and took orders for 24 new glasses as well as give out eye medicine to around the 30ish people who needed it. The glasses being made are not free, but are extremely cheap compared to getting them in Santani (the nearist town). On average the glasses cost about 30 dollars, that includes a new frame and custom lenses.
Needless to say, it was fantastic. I was thrilled with the way it turned out and was surprised to hear that the doctors wanted to come again within two or three months.
The only thing that the community had to do was supply a location for the consultations and lunch. I talked with all three women´s committees and they agreed to chip in and make lunch. They ended up making a huge meal of chicken, sopa paraguaya, and more. The mens committee picked pineapples and made juice as well as help set up at the school and bring chairs. It was a whole community effort and it was really impressive, to say the least.
The line was already long before 7am.
Eye exams.
Giving medication and trying on glasses.
All ages came out.
The school was packed from 7 to 12.
The Fundación Visión crew enjoying a wonderfully cooked lunch after a long day of work.
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