In the remote district of Buhweju in southwestern Uganda, over 750 patients have received essential medical care in just two days as part of a weeklong mission led by Amigos Internacionales and Doctors on Mission International.
The medical camp, offering free eye exams, prescription glasses, and cataract surgeries, is addressing Uganda’s urgent eye care crisis. So far, 90 cataract surgeries have been completed, with the goal of performing 300 by the end of the week. The team also plans to distribute over 1,000 pairs of eyeglasses to children and adults in need.
“Preventable blindness should never be a life sentence,” said Michael E. Ryer, CEO of Amigos Internacionales. “For just $50, we can restore someone’s sight—and their future.”
The Eye Care Crisis in Uganda
Cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness in Uganda, but access to surgical treatment is scarce, especially in rural regions like Buhweju. Without proper vision, many individuals are forced to drop out of school, leave their jobs, and stop providing care for loved ones, which only exacerbates poverty in these areas.
This mission directly addresses the lack of access to care by bringing together a global team of volunteer surgeons, optometrists, nurses, and spiritual leaders, who are working alongside local Ugandan clinicians to provide treatment and support.
Healing Beyond the Physical
The mission offers more than just medical treatment. In addition to eye care, patients receive spiritual encouragement, prayer, and messages of Christ’s love—a central element of both Amigos Internacionales and Doctors on Mission’s values.
“Restoring sight is a miracle, but restoring hope is the true mission,” said one of the volunteer chaplains on site.
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