My Experience Volunteering in Masaai Mara, Kenya
Abbey Studer, O.D. recently traveled to Masaai Mara, Kenya where she helped hundreds of locals with their eye care. National Vision was able to support her trip with a donation of reading glasses and use of an autorefractor. Here’s what Dr. Studer says about her time in Kenya:
From start to finish, volunteering with Passion to Heal and the ME to WE organizations in Masaai Mara, Kenya was an incredible and powerful experience. I was completely moved by the Kenyan people’s passion for life and the joy which they exhibit in all activities. From the beginning I could not have felt more at home in a foreign place.
Arriving at the Kishon Health Clinic was a sight to see. We expected a modest turnout but word of our eye camp had traveled far and wide; when we arrived on the morning of our first day, we had well over 200 patients waiting to be seen.
It’s All About the Patients
At any eye camp, it’s the patients you help that leave the biggest impact on your soul – successes from giving a pair of glasses to a 7-year-old boy with a +7.50 prescription in both eyes, to finding and having a unilateral traumatic cataract removed from a 30-year-old.
I was able to help one patient in his 60s who had never worn glasses and had a prescription of -6.00 in both eyes. A local clinic had some prescription glasses available and the smile on his face when he put those on is something I’ll never forget.
Another notable patient was one of the youngest I treated in Kenya. A mother brought in her 3-year-old son who had been hit in the eye by a bug over a month prior. She could see the black dot of foreign material on the cornea, but no amount of flushing would get it out. She and the family had started to save money for travel and care in Nairobi, but when word of the eye camp reached her, she brought him to us instead. It wasn’t easy, but with the help of our team, I was able to remove the foreign body.
Additionally, we were able to provide a topical antibiotic to prevent secondary infection and complications. A true success! His mother was so grateful, and this sentiment was echoed throughout our stay in Kenya. The community was extremely touched by the fact that we had made the trip to provide care.
I knew I would provide quality care to so many that needed it so badly, but I didn’t realize how much those same people would give back to me in joy, gratitude and passion for life. I’m so honored and proud that I was able to participate in this amazing experience.
I Believe Vision Is a Right
I chose to become an optometrist because I believe vision is a universal right. I continue to choose to volunteer abroad because access to eye care can be extremely limited in many areas of the world.
ME to WE is an incredible organization to volunteer with, not only because they are extremely organized and have an incredible mission, but because of their model of sustainability. ME to WE partners with locals to create sustainable access to healthcare, water, education and more. This meant that during our volunteer stay, we worked side-by-side with local doctors, technicians and other volunteers. Not only did we get to see patients and provide care for over 670 patients, but we also got to help enhance the skills of the staff at the Kishon clinic.
Dr. Abel Mwema is the resident optometrist at Kishon Health Clinic. Dr. Mwema has created a wonderful space for exams, glasses, refractions and more – despite limited resources. During our stay I got to peek at his ophthalmology reference library and noted it was missing my favorite reference guide, the Wills Eye Manual. I had my copy from optometry school with me and at the end of our time there, I was able to gift it to Dr. Mwema. It brings tears of joy to my eyes now, knowing how much good that one book will do for the community members in the hands of an accomplished optometrist.
Abbey Studer, O.D.
Latest posts by Abbey Studer, O.D. (see all)
- My Experience Volunteering in Masaai Mara, Kenya - August 15, 2018
