Sept. 30 through October 3, 2008 -Clinic Information

There have been no additional posts since Sunday because the hotel computer has been broken and was removed for repair, but we are up and running again.

October 1, 2008
We helped 3540 at clinic and the total helped is up to 18,970. Prescription eyeglasses have become depleted in the most common ranges. Charlie Wolfe and the IMS team continues to do a fabulous job of picking the very best prescription for the patients, even if it is not exactly what they need. Many will be given a quick pick of reading glasses and sunglasses if there is not a best fit for them and their correction is low.

"A 73 year old lady came into dispensing and her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson were all with her. She had to sit down in a chair because she couldn't stand. She put on the glasses that were prescribed for, frowned, and shook her head. A couple of adjustments were attempted on the frame before we discovered the left eye was not clear. Another pair of glasses that matched her prescription in the left eye was picked. She tried them on and broke into a huge smile. You could tell she was able to see. Her son shook the dispensers had saying "Kap Khun Kup" (Thank you)." This is just one of may success stories written in the journal by our team members. It is great to know that we are making a difference in people's lives, one person at a time. There are many who have not had a pair of glasses in 20 years.

"We received our "care packages" today and they were great. A nice reminder of those we care about at home. They gave us an extra measure of energy to finish what we came to do, and love to spread around. One of the student volunteer translators, a young girl named Ploy came up to me this morning and gave me a hug. I saw another student go up and high-five one of my team member. They are great kids and help us immeasurably. When I try to speak Thai, they are patient to teach and only giggle a little. I dispensed glasses to an older person today. When I adjusted them to fit, she hugged me and kissed my cheek. She taught me a new work in Thai... pretty. - Michelle Fowler