April 2025
Giving Sight To The Blind
One of the most meaningful impacts of Project Adopt A Village (PAAV) has been improving eye care in Sendafa Beke and surrounding areas—an urgent need in a country with limited resources and few eye doctors. Since 2006, eye disease has been the most common condition seen at our annual medical/surgical camps. In response, we have recruited optometrists and ophthalmologists from both the U.S. and Ethiopia each year to treat these problems.
Almost every year since 2008, one or two eye surgeons have performed cataract surgeries. Given the severity of cataracts, these procedures often restore sight to people who have been blind for years. Over 500 individuals have regained vision since 2008. The joy and smiles on their faces following the surgery is unforgettable.
Cataract Surgery
Medical Eye Care
For years we have partnered with SEE International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring sight through cataract surgery in the developing world. They’ve generously loaned operating equipment, and provided supplies, and medication to make surgeries in Sendafa Beke possible. However, in recent years SEE International has required that an American ophthalmologist be present to receive their support. This has made it increasingly difficult to continue cataract surgery. Last year, we couldn’t do surgery on cataracts due to this limitation, and this year we have again been unable to recruit a U.S. eye surgeon so partnering with See International will again not be possible.
To overcome this barrier, Friends of PAAV committed to acquiring and shipping our own surgical and diagnostic eye equipment to the Sendafa Health Center—making PAAV self-sufficient in this regard and no longer reliant on SEE International. Plus, this will equip an eye clinic to provide eye care throughout the year.
We’ve partnered with Living Word Community Church (LWCC) and Mission Central in Mechanicsburg to make this possible. Mission Central donated essential surgical equipment, LWCC contributed funds from their Christmas Eve service offering for purchasing some new equipment, and a retiring optometrist from York donated key diagnostic tools. This week, five pallets of eye surgery and diagnostic equipment—worth $25,115 and weighing three-quarters of a ton—will be shipped from Mission Central to Sendafa Beke. Thanks to this effort, many who’ve been blind for years will receive the gift of sight, transforming their lives and those of their families.
Five pallets ready to go and the packing crew!
Please pray for the safe and timely arrival of the shipment ahead of our July medical/surgical camp. Thank you for your continued support of Friends of PAAV and for helping us bring hope and healing to so many in Ethiopia.
