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Thanksgiving and ophthalmology
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Like many of you, my passion is ophthalmology, and I'd rather read Ocular Surgery News than the Los Angeles Times. During the long weekend, I was able to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with my family and then attend a University of Toronto ophthalmology symposium where I learned more than I contributed.
Upon my return home to Los Angeles, I received an email written by Blake Acohido, MD, a senior ophthalmology resident who spent his Thanksgiving performing charity surgeries on a mission trip to Fiji with the Hawaiian Eye Foundation (HEF). The HEF is an organization that has devoted decades to providing eye care, primarily cataract surgeries, to thousands of underserved people throughout the Pacific and Asia.
Blake's trip was truly memorable and will certainly shape his future as an ophthalmologist. He writes:
“Prior to joining the HEF in Taveuni, international ophthalmology was a dream, a mysterious concept, something that I would like to do, if only I could find the time and the opportunity. It became an abrupt, tangible reality the moment I met the HEF team at Taveuni Hospital.“Abrupt was the return to my life as a third-year ophthalmology resident, and after a few moments of solitude and reflection, I have come to realize that I am no longer quite the same person who left Portland 2 weeks ago. During our mission I grew tremendously, as a clinician, a surgeon and as a human being. I am quite certain that I have never experienced that much personal growth in so little time. How could I not? In 2 weeks, we applied our skills and talents from dawn until dusk restoring vision to those who had nowhere else to turn. By my last count, over 200 blind Fijian eyes now have sight. What an incredible feeling. I truly feel blessed to be an ophthalmologist.”
I encourage you to explore your options to seek personal fulfillment and help scores of needy patients by doing a charity surgery mission trip. Doing a trip like Blake's would truly give new meaning to your next Thanksgiving.