FARGO, N.D. – The Haiti Eye Mission is expanding its operations to better serve patients in need of eye care. Kristin Follman, representative of the medical non-profit, provided updates on the organization’s initiatives and discussed an upcoming fundraiser during her appearance on a local radio show.
Expanded Services and Fundraising Efforts
The Haiti Eye Mission conducts annual medical trips to the island of Hispaniola, providing services to residents of both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Follman reported that the mission performs around 300 eye surgeries each year, while also offering eye screenings and distributing medications to those who lack access to such treatments.
Follman highlighted the urgent need for specialized eye care in the region, noting alarming rates of vision loss largely attributed to conditions like glaucoma and cataracts. She stressed the critical nature of early intervention, as irreversible damage from glaucoma can occur if treatment is not administered in a timely manner. “The eye needs are staggering,” she stated, emphasizing that the availability of necessary medications and surgical procedures is limited.
Over the past decade, the organization has successfully restored vision and independence to numerous patients. “It’s so meaningful to see how their life is changed, and how they now can go to school, they can work,” Follman said, describing the impact of the services provided.
Due to ongoing civil unrest in Haiti, the mission has recently shifted its operational base to a new facility in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This change allows the team to reach more rural communities where medical resources are scarce. Follman noted that the mobile screening teams can now access targeted areas in need.
In addition to annual trips, the Haiti Eye Mission is committed to fostering sustainable care within Haiti itself by supporting the training of local ophthalmologists. Follman explained that while expenses to maintain these initiatives are high, the organization’s goal is to empower local professionals to deliver care independently.
To support these expanded services, the Haiti Eye Mission will hold its fourth annual “A Night for Sight” fundraiser on Thursday, October 1, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Avalon Event Center. The event will feature entertainment, including a live DJ, dinner, and raffle opportunities, all aimed at raising the necessary funds for their operations.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available for purchase online, with additional year-round support available through local optical shop donations.
Why It Matters: The efforts of the Haiti Eye Mission are crucial in addressing significant healthcare gaps in eye care for those in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. By providing necessary treatments and training local doctors, the organization is working towards achieving long-term sustainability in eye health services in these underserved regions.
