Vision Clinic

Occasionally, our efforts are acknowledged with nothing more than a brief smile in place of a verbal thank you. On our latest dental clinic, we were able to add something new. At a medical conference last year, I learned about Global Vision 2020, an organization that provides kits enabling us to administer eye tests and assemble eyeglasses on site to use at our medical clinics. Many individuals in the remote mountain regions of Mexico whom we serve have little to no access to dental or vision care. 

We had several people show up who needed help with their vision. What I loved about this kit was that it was something that we pilots can administer. Often with our dental or medical needs we are reliant on a doctor coming with us to do the work. I mean let’s face it, nobody wants a pilot to pull their tooth. But with the glasses kit anyone can figure out their prescription and assemble the glasses on the spot.

The best part was after we were finished figuring out the prescription, we received the same response from every one of our patients. They would put the glasses on and then for about two or three seconds have a huge smile. Then just about as quickly as the glasses went on, they would come off and would be packed away as to not be embarrassed by their new look. All in all, our dentist saw 25 patients, and 23 people received a pair of glasses.

Written by Jasson Farmer, UIMA field pilot