The Butaro outreach was successfully conducted from May 16th to 18th, 2024. During this time, the RIIO team performed a total of 133 cataract surgeries. Patients with other ocular conditions such as dry eyes, refractive errors, and macular holes were provided with treatment plans appropriate to their conditions, with macular hole patients being referred to a retinal specialist for further care.
The patients who underwent surgery expressed immense satisfaction and gratitude, particularly those who were previously blind and regained their sight post-surgery. Notably, there was a 27-year-old male who had been blind since birth, and following the operation, he experienced the gift of sight for the first time in his life.
This old man stated that he had been blind for over 4 years, note the blind persons cane he is holding! When asked what he was most looking forward to when he got home with his new sight, he said resuming activities with his wife. We had to clarify what type of activities. He said cultivating.
This young man was blind with dense congenital cataracts and severe nystagmus. His vision miraculously improved all the way to 6/36 in the operative eye.
This elderly gentleman had been living with cataracts since childhood. Although surgery was offered to him, there were minimal expectations for significant improvement. However, against all odds, he ended up experiencing much better vision than anticipated.