The second group of eye cataract surgery patients were operated on at the Vivekanand Mission Hospital in Maharajganj, a rural area about 40km (miles) from Varanasi. This group consisted of 17 villagers gathered from a number of eye testing camps and brought to the hospital together for the surgery.
The surgery itself was performed on the 17th December, and the patients remained in the hospital overnight. The traditional surgery method was used where an incision is made in the eye, rather than the smaller pinhole surgery performed in Varanasi, and so the patients are kept overnight for observation. We are attending for the eye testing and discharge procedures on the morning of the 18th December.
The surgery itself was performed on the 17th December, and the patients remained in the hospital overnight. The traditional surgery method was used where an incision is made in the eye, rather than the smaller pinhole surgery performed in Varanasi, and so the patients are kept overnight for observation. We are attending for the eye testing and discharge procedures on the morning of the 18th December.
Although a basic rural hospital, the procedures implemented here are designed to ensure maximum success in the work. There are 4 waiting areas. There is the outside area where some family members are waiting. Then there is the inner area where all the patients wait together. Then there is the next waiting area where a few patients sit quietly as they await the examination. Then there is the examination room where all outer clothes and shoes must be removed. This protocol is strictly enforced.
The examination today involves 2 doctors removing the bandages, checking the responsiveness of the eye and having the patient count the number of fingers at varying distances. Drops and ointments are then applied and sunglasses placed over the eyes. The operations are found to be 100% successful.
After the examinations are complete the patients are given hot chai and cookies. Then they are told the instructions for the medications they must take. Finally they are presented with their gift packs and reminded that this surgery is a gift from Sai Maa. Today because of the cold weather and the distance to their villages, they are provided with a blanket and a small meal in addition to the photo of Sai Maa, mala and prayer book. As I present the items, the respect of each recipient is clear but what is a delight is one old woman who breaks with the tradition of no emotion, and whose entire face is alive with joy. She is beaming the biggest smile. I am sure she speaks for all those whose sight has been restored on this day,
The examination today involves 2 doctors removing the bandages, checking the responsiveness of the eye and having the patient count the number of fingers at varying distances. Drops and ointments are then applied and sunglasses placed over the eyes. The operations are found to be 100% successful.
After the examinations are complete the patients are given hot chai and cookies. Then they are told the instructions for the medications they must take. Finally they are presented with their gift packs and reminded that this surgery is a gift from Sai Maa. Today because of the cold weather and the distance to their villages, they are provided with a blanket and a small meal in addition to the photo of Sai Maa, mala and prayer book. As I present the items, the respect of each recipient is clear but what is a delight is one old woman who breaks with the tradition of no emotion, and whose entire face is alive with joy. She is beaming the biggest smile. I am sure she speaks for all those whose sight has been restored on this day,
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