Pacific Vision

Wanganui orthoptist, Ellen Booth, has been lending her hand to help improve the sight of hundreds of visually impaired in Fiji.

Putting her eye care skills to work at The Foundation's Pacific regional training centre and eye care clinic in Fiji's capital Suva, Ellen dispensed glasses to over 300 people in just two weeks, many of whom had travelled long distances to have their vision tested.

Ellen, who has worked in New Zealand treating patients with eye alignment and eye movement disorders for over eight years, says she was shocked by the number of people requiring glasses in Fiji.

"On my first day, when the waiting room was full and streams more patients were coming in, I began to feel a little overwhelmed. But this feeling didn't last long. Everyone was very friendly and patient, and just so happy to have the opportunity to have their eyes tested.

"The word got round quickly and more people turned up each day. Many came from villages outside of Suva and had travelled great distances to be seen.

"I never realized how many people who need glasses in Fiji are not receiving them. It was such a great experience to be able to help people by simply providing them with reading glasses. One woman was so happy she could see clearly again, she decided to re-apply for her job.

"Another patient that really stood out for me was a 13-year-old boy that had difficulty seeing the blackboard. His vision in both eyes was less than 10% and with simple glasses he could see 100% again. He was so happy.

"It was a trip I will never forget. It's totally different compared to our standards. People were really grateful and it felt good to feel so appreciated.

"We all take things for granted at times, so it's good to look outside the square and be grateful with what we have," says Ellen.

Refractive error, or the simple need for glasses, is the leading cause of low vision in the Pacific region, affecting over 240,000 people.

Although The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ works with local people wherever possible, we occasionally call on the services of visiting eye specialists to share their skills and knowledge with our local teams. If you are interested in volunteering with The Foundation please call us on 09 623 7560 or visit our volunteers page to find out more.