Eyesight correction training for Afghans bonds citizens with government

BADGHIS PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

09.26.2011

Story by Sgt. Dayan Neely 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

BADGHIS PROVINCE, Afghanistan – A coalition Special Operations Forces eye doctor demonstrated a new eyesight correction kit to Afghan medical personnel and distributed eyeglasses at the Morghab district hospital, Badghis province, Sept. 26.

During the demonstration of the Field Refractive Error Correction Kit, U.S. Army ophthalmologist and surgeon, Lt. Col. Mark Reynolds, 91st Civil Affairs Battalion, conducted a training session for local medics on examining the eyesight of villagers who seek medical care at the hospital.

The FRECK is an eye examination kit, standardized and simplified for field use and packed into a luggage-sized case. The FRECK is capable of servicing and providing glasses to an entire village in one visit.

During his presentation, Reynolds explained the basic functioning of the eye, common reasons for vision impairment and operation of the FRECK to 10 Ministry of Public Health workers, including doctors, nurses and community health personnel. Following the presentation, he offered free eye exams to local citizens.

A few villages located in western Afghanistan will receive FRECKs as a way of testing the local citizens’ receptiveness to the kits. Local medical personnel will also receive training on the use of the FRECK, enabling them to conduct examinations and supply villagers with corrective eyewear.

We were excited to have someone like Reynolds visit, said the village shura leader. He was very helpful, teaching the people how to use the equipment, he added.

After the medical training, Reynolds provided examinations to villagers on site and demonstrated the capabilities of the FRECK. Villagers of all ages arrived at the district hospital in hopes of correcting their eyesight; an essential ability in daily life for the villagers whose occupation ranges from agricultural work to providing security.

Any time GIRoA and coalition forces give assistance to the people, especially in the more neglected areas, it is always welcomed, Morghab district governor, Mohammed Ibrahim Gareftar said.

The goal, if the FRECK is a success, is to build the capacity of the Afghan government’s health programs and to demonstrate to local citizens the government’s ability to provide medical care to them.

• Date Taken: 09.26.2011
• Date Posted: 10.09.2011 13:24
• Story ID: 78253
• Location: BADGHIS PROVINCE, AF