Where Words Whisper

INDONESIA | Friday, 11 January 2013 | Views [172] | View Smaller Image

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

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.

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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.

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Where Words Whisper

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