Abra Sus Ojos: Florida - San Pedro

The last four days have been filled with lots of new experiences, lots of learning and lots of joy. On Tuesday morning we (the crew of volunteers and Victor, the optometrist) set out for a 3 day brigada. Our first stop was in Florida, then San Pedro and finally Opatoro.


The brigada in Florida was held at the quaint church above. When we arrived a long line of people were already waiting.

We saw over 500 patients in 3 days - yes we were very busy and yes I’m going to bed early tonight! The people we saw were all very endearing, genuine and thankful. In addition they are very patient. Some patients end up waiting for hours to see the optometrist and receive their glasses. The fact that they are still so pleasant and happy after hours of waiting still puzzles me.....but I'm very thankful for it.

A group of patients crowed into the small church during the torrential down pour!

During this brigada I had two patients that were particularly memorable. One was a little girl from San Pedro whose poor vision was affecting her ability to read. I was able to fit her with reading glasses and her big smile as she named off the tiny letters is something I won't soon forget.

And here I am fitting the little girl with glasses!

Another was a couple from Opatoro. I was able to fit them both with reading glasses - the old women was particularly excited that she would be able to sew again! I also gave them each sunglasses. They each tried on multiple pairs and giggled the whole time (which I thoroughly enjoyed). I found their choice of sunglasses very interesting!

Here is the picture of the couple. When I asked if I could take a picture of them, the women immediately began ordering the man around. They were just so charming!

Ohh and I guess I can't forget the sweet old man in San Pedro who was struting a bright blue t-shirt that read "I'm not a gynecologist but I can take a look".


We got a flat tire on the rough rode to Opatoro. Normally this would have been a cause of frustration but here in Honduras, where the pace of life is so much slow it was FUN!


Our accommodations in Opatoro. I would call them 5 star rustic because we did have running water (it was freezing) and some access to electricity. We were also awaken promptly at 4 am by the roosters.