Marine Reach Ministries
Ophthalmology Outreach in Savaii Samoa 28th March – 8 April 2011
Report by Catherine Butters
“In that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind shall see.” Isaiah 29:18 (ESV)
Most of the patient’s desire is just simply to be able to read their Bible 
again. Marine Reach’s partnership with Samoa National Health Service, Surgical Eye Expedition and Hawaiian Eye Foundation has made this 3rd eye surgical outreach to remote Savaii Island possible. This year 400 patients were screened, 900 eye assessments carried out and 123 surgical procedures performed by eye surgeon Dr Jeff Rutgard, and team lead by Catherine & Tim Butters.
A short optometry clinic was also conducted giving out prescription and reading glasses. Optometrist Abigail Millward conducted further training to Savaii eye nurse specialist Tasi Leo RN advancing his refraction skills as Marine Reach continues to support the establishment of the Savaii Eye Clinic. To date, a slit lamp, lensometer including over 1000 glasses with the help of Northland DHB Low Cost Spectacles Scheme and the Lions Club have been donated.
For 3 years now, Samoa has not had a permanent Ophthalmologist and heavily depends on visiting teams to achieve the elimination of avoidable blindness. Remote Island Savaii has numerous people suffering from dense bilateral cataract and pterygium occurring to persons as young as 31 year old; Pausolo, hospitality graduate visually impaired due to his pterygium coming from both sides of his eye almost completely blocking his sight.
The operation helped greatly restoring his vision and allowing him to have better job prospects. Previously, Mrs Sauifa suffered from cataract in both her eyes, last year she had her left eye operated and this time we were able to operate on her right eye now giving her 20/20 vision.
Pastor Asalele, can now resume his Pastoral duties after years of being suspended from his work because he was disabled by cataracts prohibiting him from studying the Word.
Partnership is key to achieving the restoration of sight to those who have very little or no access to care. God’s love was exemplified through quality patient care, affecting each patient personally, their families, community and their country. All glory to God as He administered many miracles and healing through granting new sight (physically & spiritually) to the people of Savaii.
Quick Facts:
- Age-related cataract is responsible for 48% of world blindness, which equals about 18 million people.
- Cataract is the world’s leading cause of blindness.