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    Photos from Indonesia

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    Ibu Antonia shakes the hand of Dr. Steve in gratitude moments after he removes her eye patch. She hasn’t seen in over 10 years. Living and caring for a relative who cannot see is very taxing for the families in Sukadana. Ibu Antonia has been lucky her family has been well off enough to provide for her during this difficult time. Many have to take leave from their jobs and the burden is often left on the remaining partner. This puts an enormous financial stress on the family, as loss of income depletes the families’ resources financially and emotionally. Views[163] Missionary Dr. Eddie prays in between the flux of patients. Every year Dr. Eddie and Dr. Steve travel to various areas of Indonesia offering free cataract surgeries to remote communities in need. At ASRI Medical Clinic, they are not allowed to proselytize. Often working late into the evening, within four days, they operate on 90 patients. Both doctors work in the same room and nurses often sit on the operating beds in order to properly distribute sterilized surgical instruments. Plastic tarps line the ceiling and widows, offering a modest barrier to the humidity, heat and bugs of the Borneo jungle. Views[219] Operating tables are constructed out of office desks. Hand woven mats lie on top and a white linin is thrown over the surface. Bapak Arnji calmly waits while Dr. Steve prepares for surgery. “The first thing I want to do is kiss my wife. I haven’t been able to see her face. All I’ve been able to do is hear her voice.” – Bapak Arnji Views[196] One of four rooms in the long house is converted into a pre surgery room. Bapak Wanji (forefront) waits to receive a retrobulbar injection before he goes in for cataract surgery. Retrobulbar is used as an anesthetic but it is also prevents the globe of the eye from moving around during surgery. A tennis ball helps to soften the eye just after injection. Views[222] An old wooden structure in Sukadana Borneo houses ASRI Medical Clinic. Dr. Kinari Webb feels around for hardening of the eye balls on an 88-year-old woman. One of her sons places his hand on her shoulders, offering her some comfort. Due to clogging of the drainage canals, increased pressure leads to irreversible damage to the optic nerve, resulting in blindness. If caught early, glaucoma can be treated by medications and laser surgeries. But more often than not, glaucoma isn’t properly diagnosed. Unfortunately this woman has advanced glaucoma and will sadly remain blind for the rest of her life. Views[543]
     

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