Vision Clinic - Mexico

Every January, I participate in a week long free vision clinic in rural Mexico, usually accompanied by one of my daughters. Si, hablo Espanol.  During the week, we see about 1200 patients and dispense free glasses to virtually all comers. The glasses are supplied by the Lions Club and the clinic is sponsored by the Rotary Club. I've attended 5 of these clinics and manage the dispensary component of the operation. Over 8,000 pairs of glasses are maintained in The Rotary's hacienda in Cofradia de Suchitlan, a small village in the hills outside of the city of Colima.

The dispensary area - there I am in the background on the right.

And what would Mexico be without Tequila?

We travel from village to village in the Rotary's old school bus.

Setting up in another village - this time Coalcoman, Mexico's marijuana capital.

Just a few days before we arrived, a local drug lord dumped off a couple of dead guys in the town square, just to the right of this shot. Thankfully it was all cleaned up by the time we got there.

Some of the donated glasses are really hideous. The older people aren't as bothered by fashion as the kids are.

Along with a lot of free tequila, we get to play with some awesome low-tech toys. Lack of product liability can be  wonderful thing.

Our patients come in all sizes.

That would be our ride.

Getting a reading

My daughter Alex

Seeing patients in the prison was an experience.

A village street scene