Ophthalmologist Dedicates Two Decades to Restoring Sight in Africa and Beyond
A dedicated ophthalmologist and his team have been providing free cataract surgeries and vision care across Africa and other regions for over 20 years, transforming the lives of countless individuals. The organization, Vision Care, currently performs more than 100 surgeries each week, relying on donations to purchase essential medicines and covering travel expenses personally.
For Kim Dong-hae, the director of Vision Care, and his colleagues, the scene is a familiar one: hospitals overflowing with patients and operating rooms with no time for respite. This tireless commitment stems from a stark reality – an estimated 80-90% of blindness cases in Africa are preventable with treatment.
“The vast majority of those suffering from blindness in Africa can have their sight restored with treatment,” Kim Dong-hae explained. “These are people who can regain their vision if they simply receive care.”
The need is immense, with only one ophthalmologist available for every million people in many African nations. Since 2002, Vision Care has expanded its reach, traveling to 40 countries to deliver free eye surgeries and restore the gift of sight.
The work isn’t motivated by financial gain, but by a profound sense of fulfillment. “It may seem like throwing money away, but there is no greater joy than spending money in this way,” Kim Dong-hae stated.
The impact extends far beyond medical procedures. The organization witnesses firsthand the emotional power of restored vision. One poignant example is a grandmother who, after regaining her sight, demonstrated its clarity by threading a needle – a testament to the life-changing impact of the surgery. Another involved a child previously struggling in school who was now able to read and thrive. A woman who received surgery during a previous mission recently reconnected with the team, expressing her gratitude.
According to a physician with Vision Care, the demand for services is overwhelming. “Patients crowd the hospitals, making it difficult to even enter,” he noted. “The transformation is incredible – patients who previously couldn’t walk or sit independently are now able to navigate the examination process on their own.”
Despite facing logistical challenges, such as delayed medical equipment stuck in customs, and personal health battles – including recent cancer surgery and a disc issue – Kim Dong-hae remains undeterred. “I’ve had cancer surgery and a disc problem, but you can’t always work when you’re feeling your best,” he said.
Vision Care is preparing for its next mission, departing for Morocco on Thursday. The organization continues to rely on the generosity of donors to sustain its life-altering work.
[화면제공 비전케어 영상취재 이현일 영상편집 김동준 영상자막 조민서]
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