Huatulco 2014

Kim Richards, a Certified Ophthalmic Technician at Memphis Eye and Cataract Associates, has participated in three WCF medical missions, two to Ometepec, Mexico and the most recent to Huatulco, Mexico. Kim served as the A-Scan technician and also assisted as a circulator in the OR. The A-scan measures the length of the eye which is used in the calculation for the intraocular lens power.

The most inspiring stories come from people who witness the instant transformation that occurs when someone can see again. Please read Kim’s account of her experience in Huatulco.

I had the privilege of going to Hautulco, Mexico last month. On this trip, many expressed how much they appreciated the surgery as soon as they got up from the bed. This was surgery where the only medicine given was to numb the eye, which was done with a long needle.

Everyone you see is special, but there are some that make you feel so blessed that you were able to be there. There were four who especially stood out. Two were 19 year olds, one boy and one girl. They were so scared that they were shaking. You don't have to speak the same language to know fear. You don't have to speak the same language to be able to comfort someone with a touch.

The last surgery done was an 8 year old little boy whose surgery was under general anesthesia. He was so cute and so brave. Sara Lindley was there when Dr. John Freeman took off the little patch the next day. She said he was so anxious to have the patch off. When it was taken off, his face brightened up. He would cover each eye to look around. The most memorable one was a 40 year old woman. Dr. John didn't know if she would be able to see even with surgery. Through an interpreter, Dr John explained that the surgery went well, but he didn't know if she would be able to see or not. While they were speaking, she was laying there with a smile on her face. She asked if she could say something. Of course, they said, "Yes." Through the translator she said, "I can see!!" Everyone in the OR exclaimed with joy and clapped! Those are the moments when you experience the blessing of being a part of God's plan to give sight to the blind. It makes the long days SO worth it. We were not there by chance. So many things had to happen for the team to be there and for each one to have surgery. I am so thankful to have been a part. I would like to thank all who have given of their time and money to make the trip possible.

I thank the Lord above all for His love of His people. Kim Richards