2009 Vision Work Week

In January, 25 volunteers from the US and Canada joined with Rotarians from three Colima area Rotary Clubs and Project Amigo’s scholarship recipients to carry out the annual Vision Clinic.

Those visiting the clinic received diabetes and high blood pressure screening, vision tests, and eye exams. Glasses, donated by Lions International, were provided gratis on the spot to those who needed them.

According to Gerry Wodtli, O.D., one of three optometrists who participated in the clinic, “Our vision affects how we learn, work, and play.” Through the efforts of the volunteers who participated in this year’s clinic, there are 1,139 people who can now see to do the things they want and need to do.

One of the most common complaints among women who came to the clinic was that they were not able to see to thread a needle, and for many of these women sewing is how they earn their living. It is remarkable how a simple pair of reading glasses that we take for granted can be so life-altering for someone.

A child who came to the clinic had never had clear vision. When she got through the clinic stations and received her glasses, she looked at her mother’s face and saw it for the first time. There were a lot of wet faces at the dispensing station!