In Beni and Santa Cruz, Bolivia

San Borja, Puerto Yucumo, Yaranda, El Torno, July 4-19, 2007)

Att: The Great Tsimané Council, Dr. T. Huanca, Dr. R. Godoy, Lions in Sweden, Vision For All, Yo, Sí Puedo, Clinic ”Horeb”, M. Ramírez, E. Serrano, Farmer Union in ”El Torno”, Dr. E. Peredo, E. Arandia and Synoptik.

Dear Friends!

     July 4th four VFA members (2optometrists and 2 assistants) arrived in Bolivia to provide eye exams to the Tsimané indians and Bolivian farmers. We had promised to attend 100 patients each day, people who had no economic resources to pay a full price for an eye exam and a pair of eyeglasses. Those who could, paid a symbolic sum of $1.00USD for the eye exam and eyeglasses. After deliberating with The Great Tsimané Council it was decided that the Tsimané indians would not have to pay anything. We worked in the rainforest of the Beni Region, ”San Borja” and in ”El Torno” near Santa Cruz. During 10 workdays we succeeded in doing the following:

*  We examined 1479 patients, of which 689 (46,6%) were women, 790 (53,4%) men.

* The majority, 1126 (76,1%) were presbyopic, that is over 35 years of age. (This relatively low age boundary was chosen because the peoples of developing countries age quicker
and do not live as long in average as in the developed countries.)

*  Statistically 13,3% of Bolivias inhabitants of over 6 million are illiterate. In the area
where we worked the numbers were much higher especially among women. Of the total amount of women and men from San Borja and El Torno, 451 (65,5%) women and 420 (53,2%) men could not read and write. However if one looks just at the Tsimané women,
only 58 of 239 could read and write, that is 75,7% were illiterate !!! These figures of illiteracy could be much higher since we only posed the question “Can you read? “Yes” or “No”. Many, perhaps embarrassed to say “no”, answered affirmatively. On our next trip we must take the time to test their literacy to get more reliable data. At least it was wonderful to know that many, after receiving their eyeglasses from VFA, could sign up to participate in the literacy campaign

* A frightening high amount of men and women did not have any income. Most had a small plot of land to cultivate for their own consumption or informal days work.

* Of the 1620 pair of eyeglasses donated, 1559 pair (96,2%) had positive lenses to correct
hyperopia or presbyopia. Only 61 pair (3,8%) were given out to correct myopia.

*  For the women 482 pair (59,4%) and for the men 643 pair (63,4%) were  for near work such as to read and write, clean rice and beans, sew and weave.

*  196 people received no eyeglasses. Some had no eye problems. Others had some eye pathology (Cataract, Glaucoma, Pterygium, Nystagmus etc.) and eyeglasses did not help them. They were remitted to ophthalmologists who offered their services at clinics in San Borja and Santa Cruz.

*  337 people received two pair of eyeglasses or bifocals to correct both distance and near sight. Those with especially high powers may also have received an extra pair.

1479 people were examined, 479 more than promised. To put a monetary value on the work
done by VFA, we can estimate that an eye exam plus a pair of eyeglasses can cost around
$100.00 USD. The value of VFA´s work can then be calculated at:
                                            $100.00  USD x 1479 patients = $147 900.00 USD !!!

     We hope that we can continue in a future project perhaps improving the work by:
     1.  visiting other areas where VFA has not been
    2.  in San Borja continuing helping the Tsimané who have not been attended.
    3.  translating and implementing VFA´s “Screening Manual” to be able to
         do a massive screening program in the countryside.
    4.  supporting even more women so that they may advance more in society.

    För all the eyeglasses we wish to thank Lions in Sweden, optometrists, optical companies, the Swedish people and in particular, the VFA members, SOLF and Synoptik. For logistical and financial help in San Borja, Bolivia, we thank The Great Tsimané Council, Dr. R. Godoy, Dr. T. Huanca and the Clinic ”Horeb”. In “El Torno” we would like to thank, M. Ramírez, E. Serrano, Farmer Union in ”El Torno”, Dr. E. Peredo and E. Arandia.

                                                                                                 Sincerely,
                                                                                                John J. Godoy
                                                                                                   Optometrist
                                                                                       President Vision For All