The Mau Ipata
Blog vol 5.5. The Mau Ipata
Last winter the Amazon hospital boat, the Mau Ipata, was launched. We at Burlington Eyecare raised the money to equip the eye exam room on the boat. It is very exciting to hear about the good work being done with the people in the communities along the Amazon.
This past April, Burlington Eyecare was able to raise $3000 through the sale of solar eclipse glasses, and those funds went to support the operating of the boat.
Why is the Mau Ipata so special? Having been on two eye care missions, to Mexico and Ecuador, I have no doubt that these clinics are much needed. I can also attest to the fact that it takes a ton of energy and resources to set up and operate a 2-week clinic. These trips will continue, especially in the remote areas of the Andes and other locales. The idea of having a “Mercy” ship that is not susceptible to the ocean waves and currents, that you can regularly maintain, that is clean and organized, and that can operate year round moving from community to community, is huge. Thus, the Mau Ipata. There are times when the boat can only go so far up the river, then smaller boats go upstream and bring patients down.
Much has to come together to make this happen, including the full cooperation of the national governments involved, which is in itself no small feat.
In the past seven months, the staff and doctors of the Mau Ipata have done many cataract surgeries, as well as pterygium and strabismus surgeries. They have checked many people’s eyes and have fitted many with prescription glasses. And that’s just eyes! They also provide much-needed medical and dental care.
Here are some pictures of patients and staff in the eye clinic and dispensary.
What a great idea! What great work!
Til next week,
The good doctor
