Dr. Neka's report from her eyecare journey in Jamaica!

My trip to Jamaica was a success! Our eyecare team was able to provide care for over 3,000 patients in 4.5 days. It was a lot more challenging than I expected, as we dispensed quite a few white canes to those who are legally blind (often from end stage glaucoma) and I can’t even remember how many cataract surgery referrals I made. Even though there were a few patients we couldn’t do much for, it was still a very rewarding experience and we got to witness so many patients leave with a smile on their face with their new glasses on! Here are a few of my take home points from this trip:

  • You and I take a lot for granted, without realizing it: If you are literate, can see to drive, and have access to food and water every day, those are true blessings not to be taken for granted

  • You will never know everything: I learned a lot on this trip both from older doctors and from those still in optometry school. It’s important to keep learning something new each and every day

  • Humor helps: Instead of complaining about working in near 90 degree weather every day while dripping in sweat and without access to toilets that flushed, we used humor to make it through the day

  • People are the same all over the world: We all want the same things. Companionship, love, and good health

  • Happiness is a choice and a mindset

3 Things Dr. Neka Wishes More People Knew

1) Urgent Care is not the best place to visit for eye emergencies. Over 50% of the time I see emergency patients, the diagnosis/treatment plan by urgent care was incorrect; sometimes even large foreign bodies or ulcers have been missed.
2) The retina is the only place in the body where blood vessels can be easily viewed. Often retinal photos will show the first signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, HIV, brain tumors, and certain cancers.
3) A child's first full eye exam with an EYE DOCTOR is recommended before age 3. The visual system is mostly developed by ~age 7 so if there is a glasses Rx in just one eye (for example) and this isn't caught until age 7, it's actually a bit late. That eye will likely never learn to see well.

This is a retinal vein occlusion, seen in someone who likely has uncontrolled High Cholesterol, HTN, Diabetes (or perhaps something more rare) and is at a higher risk for a stroke or heart attack. This person may likely have no visual symptoms whatsoever and still see 20/20.

Where in LONGMONT was Dr. Neka when she took this photo?

You can’t answer here…but if you follow us on Facebook you can! About twice/month, Dr. Neka will post on Facebook a photo of a spot in Longmont and if you are the first to guess the location correctly, you can win a prize (past prizes have included Ziggi’s gift cards, Chipotle gift cards, and a bottle of contact lens solution). Follow us on Facebook to join in on the fun!