KSBY

Posted: Feb 17, 2010 11:51 AM
Updated: Feb 17, 2010 12:24 PM

A local eye care group is sending a team to Central America to improve the sights of thousands of Guatemalans.

Optometrist Dr. Rupert Chowins and Surgical-Technician Eric White of Pacific Eye will leave the first week of March.

This will be Dr. Chowins fourth trip to Guatemala in two past years. From past experience, he estimated they will see about 1,000 patients and perform 200 sight restoring surgeries, in less than 10 days.

They will volunteer their time through Hospital de la Familia, located in the remote Guatemalan city of Nuevo Progreso where many families lack what we would consider to be basics, such as, running water, electricity, and sewage.

Every time doctors volunteer at Hospital de la Familia they bring supplies and surgery equipment. "We are incredibly efficient considering the limitations," said Dr. Chowins.

He added that the typical patient will travel great lengths, often several days on foot to get to the clinic and recalled a vivid memory when two men carried their elderly mother in a burlap sack for two days to get her help at the clinic.

If you want to help those who are in need, Dr. Chowins said you can do something as small as donating a pair of old glasses or make a donation to Hospital de la Familia. "Everyone has some capacity to help."