Plano Surgeon Travels to Ecuador on Medical Mission to Restore Sight

    PLANO, TX, June 09, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Dain Brooks, a Plano-based ophthalmologist, spent a week San Lorenzo, Ecuador, in March providing free cataract surgery to underserved and underprivileged citizens of the mostly rural community.

Located in northern Ecuador close to the Columbian border, San Lorenzo is home to a large population of farmers and ranchers.

"Being a surgeon is a gift," said Brooks. "Being able to use that gift to restore people's vision is beyond humbling. And when I, and other like minded-surgeons, are able to take some time away from our daily practices and provide the gift of sight to people who otherwise would likely never see again is a magnificent blessing."

The Christian mission, sponsored by Vision Outreach International, brought three surgeons to this small community. "Healthcare in general, and eye care specifically, is in short supply in many parts of the world, especially Ecuador," Brooks said. "These types of missions provide critical services for little to no patient cost in areas that desperately need them."

Brooks explained the trickle down effect of successful cataract surgery. "When you can restore the sight of one person there, you are essentially putting two potential workers back in the workforce," he said. "Having a major vision deficiency usually results in someone else having to play the role of full-time caretaker. When we remove the cataract and implant the new lens, two potential wage earners are put back in the workforce. This benefits not only their immediate families, but their community as a whole."

Dr. Brooks and the other volunteer surgeons treated 75 eyes over the course of the week using a surgical technique that, while less "high-tech" than what is performed in developed areas, allowed them to keep the medical mission cost-effective.

"They received excellent care and the outcomes were amazing," Brooks added. "It was an awesome experience to work among that community. Fulfilling a higher mission beyond just eye surgery through our conversations and prayers with and for the citizens was also vital to the success of the mission."

Dr. Brooks and his experienced team proudly serve areas in and around Plano, Dallas, and Frisco, Texas. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please contact them via phone at (972) 338-9388, or online at www.brookseyemd.com.

About Brooks Eye Associates

Brooks Eye Associates prides itself in offering the highest level of quality vision care to each individual patient. The Plano ophthalmology practice offers a wide variety of services including cataract surgery, LASIK, PRK, glaucoma treatment, blepharitis treatment, and general eye health services. Dr. Brooks serves all areas in and around Dallas, Plano, and Frisco, Texas. For more information, please visit: www.brookseyemd.com

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