Stories from North America

Determination       In Chicago we had a twelve-year-old girl sneak onto the bus to come to clinic. She knew she needed glasses and she was not scheduled to come to the clinic.  When she arrived she explained she needed glasses to do her schoolwork and wanted badly to receive a new pair.  We worked with the school principal and they contacted her mother to get her permission so we could help her.  It shows the determination of a child that understands how a pair of glasses can change their world. It’s amazing what a child will do to get the help they need!  — Duke, Chicago        It’s All About Healthy Eyes        Yesterday was one of the toughest and yet most rewarding days.  We had a young man by the name of Sheiinakar come to our clinic.  I was examining his ocular health when I discovered that Sheiinakar had a retinal detachment.  Sheiinakar needed an ophthalmologist since a retinal detachment could lead to blindness.  We were able to secure an ophthalmologist at Hartford hospital.  We found out that both his parents had died and he was living with his brother.  He was lucky to have GOS and the public school system to help him  through this health situation.  Thank you GOS for being here, and Thank you Sheiinakar for reminding me that I love the USA, and the privilege to have the job that I do.          — Dr. Jeff, Hartford      Two Good Eyes        6th grader Robert came into the clinic wearing a pair of glasses he found. He was such a good sport about them though, noting, "they worked OK - I can see out of one eye."  It could not be known how much damage would occur to Robert’s vision if he hadn’t come in.  After going through our clinic, Robert now has a new pair of glasses, which help him see clearly out of BOTH eyes.                                – Cleveland Clinic