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My attendance came about because the International President, Barry Palmer was unable to accept the invitation, due to the ANZI Forum in Bali.
Someone and I am not sure who, put my name up to the “Eyes on China ~ 2013” people and IP Barry, who all agreed that I should replace him as the Lions Clubs International Representative.
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The Grand Opening Ceremony, for “Eyes on China” 2013 was held on 7 September.
The Inauguration Ceremony for the Ophthalmology Centre was held in the Qinghai Tibetan Medical Hospital.
At the conclusion of the Ceremony, we were then taken to the Operating Theatre to see the Cataract Operations being performed. It is amazing that these operations take 15 minutes to perform and let people who have had no sight, in some cases years of blindness, see again a short time after this operation.
…….
At this time I would like to offer my personal congratulations to:
Australian Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China (ACPPRC)
NSW Parliament Asia-Pacific Friendship Group
Lions Clubs International, whom I represented as an observer on behalf of our International President Lion Barry Palmer.
I understand that Lions Clubs International will support this project in 2013-2014; a decision I strongly agree with.
Two hundred and thirty (230) cataract operations were performed during those 3 days.
Two hundred and thirty (230) miracles made possible by a Team of Miracle Makers!
I speak of the seven medical doctors and five nurses who came from Australia and the local province who made this possible.
It should also be noted that ACPPRC "Eyes on China" medical projects not only carry out cataract operations, but also provide training for the local Eye Doctors as well as donate advanced medical equipment and instruments to the local hospitals. An Ophthalmic Department of the Qinghai Tibetan Hospital is being established with the support by ACPPRC this year. This has enabled them to continue the treatment of eye patients after the ACPPRC medical team has left China.
It should be noted there are still over 600 potential cataract patients waiting for the free cataract operations by ACPPRC "Eyes on China 2013" in Qinghai.
In conclusion, we appreciate the generosity of William Chiu and Mr. Kam Chung Chan who have made this project possible. We also thank them for their hospitality, shown us in the past week. Thank you both.
Allen J Fraser
Past District Governor
September 20th 2013 |