Eyeworld

EW INTERNATIONAL Editors' note: Mr. Collett is a medical student at Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami. He is president of the Ophthalmology Interest Group. Contact information Collett: gcoll001@fi u.edu positively to this world and leave it a little better off than when I arrived. I am very thankful for this humbling experience because it reminded me of how rewarding this noble profes- sion can be. EW were elderly and suffering from severe vision loss due to cataracts. My primary role that day was to gauge visual acuity, so I experienced fi rsthand just how poor their vision was. In many charts I recorded "HM" or "LP." There were a few who were completely blind, and unfor- tunately, we could not do much for them. However, most patients were deemed good candidates for surgery, and the next day we arrived at dawn to set up the operating theater. The limitations the physicians dealt with were challenging. For example, disinfection of surgical equipment had to be done using a large water pot and a gas burner. The amount of work, patience, and dedication on their behalf was simply extraor- dinary. I was given the task of preparing patients for surgery, which includ- ed the pupil dilation process and retrobulbar blocks. I also assisted 3 rotating surgeons in theater, care- fully balancing observing/listening when they were teaching and quick- ly following instructions when they gave a command. Over the course of 14 hours, 27 ophthalmic procedures were performed—exhausting yet satisfying work. Our fi nal day was by far the most rewarding; we got to examine patients and gauge their progress. My favorite was checking on those who underwent surgery. The vast majority had improved vision, and it was uplifting to see how joyful they were, even when the results were minimally positive, clinically speaking. It was the perfect way to cap off one of the most memorable experiences of my life. My time in Kenya did not come to an abrupt end as soon as the medical safari concluded. I celebrat- ed the successful outreach project with the doctors; explored Nairobi and hiked the nearby Ngong Hills; and went on nature safaris to Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara with my father. Each experience was amaz- ing in its own right, but cannot be compared with my ophthalmology internship. During it, I got to live out a dream—a dream to contribute September 2014 83 • BlephEx ™ is a revolutionary new device that for the first time, allows a doctor to take charge in the treatment of blepharitis. • BlephEx ™ procedures remove the excess bacteria, biofilm and inflammatory exotoxins along the lid margin, the prime contributors to dry eye disease and MGD. • BlephEx ™ procedures are performed every 4 months, keeping the lid margins and tear glands healthy. • BlephEx ™ saves the patient hundreds of dollars in artificial tear and prescription costs • BlephEx ™ provides a brand new revenue stream for doctors that is independent of declining insurance reimbursements. B E F O R E A F T E R 800-257-9787 | www.RySurg.com • BlephEx BlephEx that for the first time, allows a doctor to that for the first time, allows a doctor to take charge in the treatment of blepharitis. take charge in the treatment of blepharitis. • BlephEx BlephEx bacteria, biofilm and inflammatory bacteria, biofilm and inflammatory exotoxins along the lid margin, the prime exotoxins along the lid margin, the prime contributors to dry eye disease and MGD. contributors to dry eye disease and MGD. • BlephEx BlephEx 4 months, keeping the lid margins and tear 4 months, keeping the lid margins and tear glands healthy. glands healthy. • BlephEx BlephEx dollars in artificial tear and prescription costs dollars in artificial tear and prescription costs • BlephEx BlephEx stream for doctors that is independent of stream for doctors that is independent of declining insurance reimbursements. declining insurance reimbursements.

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