And precisely because the doctors can visit them so rarely, they are eagerly awaited every time they come. Dr. Lincoln Freitas explains: “We operate on people who have waited an average of eight to ten years for cataract treatment.” During their two-week itinerary the doctors examine the condition of the patients’eyes and test those who need a surgical procedure. The actual surgery is performed in public hospitals and medical facilities on site. The treatment is offered free of charge, also thanks to the support of ZEISS in Brazil.
Prof. Dr. Walton Nosé is one of the doctors on the team. He considers the annual visits to be highly beneficial: “Our work is so valuable because we bring young doctors to the region. This enables us to exchange our experiences and ideas, and a better understanding of the different cultures in the various regions of Brazil is the result.”
Within the framework of the project, the specialists show local doctors how to treat their cataract patients in line with the most recent research.