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"I CARE" (Eye Care): Bringing Free Vision Care & Eyeglasses to homeless & impoverished populations in Texas (U.S.A.) & Sierra Leone & Ghana (West Africa), and Swaziland (South Africa)
With thousands of donated prescription eyeglasses, World Missions Possible launched its
"I CARE" (Eye Care) program in 2010
First in October of 2010 in a small rural village in southern Ghana, West Africa, called Bogyano, a WMP "I CARE" clinic was launched. Under the faithful leadership of optometrist Dr. Charles Darko-Takyi of Cape Coast, Ghana, the 1st ever WMP "I CARE" clinic provided service to over 300 people. Secondly, in May of 2011, Dr. Darko -- along with 8 other opticians and Cape Coast University optician students -- provided a large vision clinic for approx. 200 people.
In June & July of 2011, World Missions Possible launched its first U.S.-based "I CARE" clinic in Houston, Texas, through Crossroads Homeless Outreach. During the two clinics, some 100 patients were given free care -- and 65 patients were provided with free vision screening & eyeglasses. The eyeglasses were matched with the patient's need by skilled volunteer opticians and optometrist, Bylthe Bucker (O.D. = optometrist), Susie Grunden (optician), and Clarence Grunden (CRNA). In July,World Missions Possible offered its 2nd U.S.-based "I CARE" clinic in Houston, Texas, through Crossroads Homeless Outreach. During the medical clinic, more patients were provided with free vision screening & eyeglasses. The eyeglasses were matched with the patient's need by skilled volunteer opticians and optometrist, Bylthe Bucker, Susie Grunden, and Clarence Grunden.
In November of 2011, World Missions Possible medical team members trained 2 doctors and 8 nurses and community health workers from the Kono Amputee clinic and Koidu Government Hospital in Sierra Leone, West Africa on eye anatomy, disease, trauma, and eye health, as well as correcting refractive errors of hyperopia, myopia, presbyopia, and astigmatisms. We trained both staffs and donated over 350 pounds of medications, supplies and equipment, including a manual focometer, 540 pairs of eyeglasses, and a vital signs monitor. During the clinics, we offered the assessment and treatment or referral of cataracts, pterygiums, corneal ulcers, glacoma, trachoma, etc., and the distribution of prescription eyeglasses.
World Missions Possible is able to provide free prescription eye- and sunglasses to people in several nations through the generous donation of Rx eyeglasses -- so rummage through your drawers and closets and ask your family & church members & friends to collect their old eyeglasses and send them to us... so we can bless someone in desperate need of sight!!
Please Send Your Used Eyeglasses To:
World Missions Possible
16506 El Camino Real #126
Houston, Texas 77062 |