LDS Charities Recognized At World Sight Day

LDS Charities, the humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was recognized at the World Sight Day, “Make Vision Count’’ celebration on October 12, 2017 in Makeni, Sierra Leone.

The celebration marked the official opening of the Eye Department at Makeni Regional Hospital. Sister Jeanne Carley, humanitarian specialist for LDS Charities, was requested to cut the ribbon for the opening ceremony.

The Northern Province Eye Care Project awarded a certificate of recognition to the Church and LDS Charities, as a distinguished partner in the establishment of the Eye Department at the hospital. Elder Don Carley, humanitarian specialist in Sierra Leone, accepted the commendation on behalf of the Church.

Dr. Kenneth Turley and Dr. Kyle Klingler, eye surgeons from the United States, volunteer with LDS Charities Vision Care program. They visited Sierra Leone September 22 through October 3, 2017. Their purpose was to evaluate previous training programs, insure donated equipment had arrived safely and functioned properly, as well as conduct training for eye surgeons and technical staff at Makeni Regional Hospital and UMC Kissy Hospital.  

“It is a joy to return to work with eye professionals in Sierra Leone,” said Dr. Turley. “These dedicated doctors and staff will use the donated equipment to bring the blessing of improved sight to many in a part of the world that has not had access to eye care heretofore.”

Equipment donated at both facilities included surgical stretchers, adjustable hydraulic surgeons’ chairs, Zeiss operating microscope with video camera for teaching purposes, autoclave, distiller, wet field cautery, plus sets of surgical hand instruments.

Also donated were A and B-scan ultrasound equipment for evaluating the health of the eye before surgery. The ultra sound machine helps surgeons determine which implant to use during cataract surgery.

The clinics received equipment needed to examine eyes, including slit lamp, tonometer to measure eye pressure, a retinoscope and trial lenses to measure for glasses.

Speaking on behalf of the hospital management, Dr. Lloyd Harrison Williams, Manager of the Makeni Eye Department, expressed his sincere appreciation for the donated equipment. “The microscope will benefit physicians and patients greatly,” he said. “The tool enables doctors to have a perfect view of the eye, which allows them the opportunity to make corrections that benefit the patient for the rest of their lives.”                                       

Fatmata Jalloh, Matron of Makeni Regional Hospital, said “Patient treatment will increase because of the gift. It is our belief the donated eye equipment will fulfill its desired goal.”  

Speaking of their trip to Sierra Leone, Dr. Turley remarked, “We feel the trip was successful and pray our efforts will “bear fruit,” blessing the lives of many of Father in Heaven’s children.”

LDS Charities provides equipment, supplies and organizational support to eye care professionals throughout the world.

Vision Care is one of its major initiatives. The mission is to prevent avoidable blindness and visual impairment, as well as strengthen eye care services to the needy, by mentoring vision professionals who work in health care organizations. More than 130,000 patients will be served in 2017.

LDS Charities Vision Program News from Africa:

Sierra Leone: http://www.mormonnewsroom.com.gh/articles/lds-charities-provides-vision-surgery-training-and-equipment-in-sierra-leone

Ghana: http://www.mormonnewsroom.com.gh/articles/thousands-benefit-from-better-eye-care-in-eastern-region  

Nigeria: http://www.mormonnewsroom.org.ng/article/latter-day-saints-offer-free-eye-screening-and-surgeries-to-indigent-residents-of-benin-city-and-lagos-nigeria