Marcela Espinosa and Sheraz Daya recently performed charitable cataract surgery using modern microsurgical techniques during their vacation to Peru !  Following a trip around southern Peru including Machu Picchu, they stopped to visit the  Instituto de Ojos Sacro Cuore in Lima, a creation by their friend Frank Bucci who is also an eye surgeon.  The centre was established by Frank to help eliminate cataract blindness in Peru.  President Bill Clinton recently visited the centre and provided a large donation to assist Frank Bucci in his work - see video.

Cataract blindness has far reaching consequence in developing countries with major impact both socially and economically. A blind person is unable to work and provide vital income to the family and worst of all has to have a functional family member take care of them at all times taking them away from school or work.  This has considerable impact in a poor environment and for a cost of only about £50.00, patients can receive a modern and precise operation that can revolutionise their lives. This level of cost is unaffordable for many and paid for by both charitable contributions as well as subsidies from treating private patient fees who are charged at a higher price.  The latter model has worked very well in India and Frank Bucci has adopted this in Peru. 

The Instituto de Ojos has been operational for about 18 months and is now the largest private provider of free cataract surgery in Peru.  Congratulations Frank Bucci – we are very proud of you!

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