RELEASE NUMBER 114/14
CORAL COAST, FIJI – The 20 specialists, part of Benevolent Missions International (BMI), paid their own airfares and worked free of charge for a week performing over 80 operations for cataracts and pterygium.
Outrigger on the Lagoon . Fiji General Manager Peter Hopgood said it was an honour to have been able to assist the team by providing complimentary accommodation and meals during their stay.
“The work undertaken by the Benevolent Mission eye specialists was amazing. They are gifted people who have taken time out from their busy schedules back in the United States to come and help the people of Fiji.”
“My team at the resort feel truly blessed that we could assist in some small way,” he said.
BMI organiser Dr. Downey Price said its members had first visited Fiji in 1995 and stayed in Viseisei village in Vuda, returning the following year and working at Lautoka Hospital.
“We then approached the government to continue to provide free medical services to the people of Fiji. It agreed and we have been travelling to Fiji every year ever since 1995, operating at Sigatoka District Hospital.”
“As well as performing surgery and handing out eye glasses, we also provide medication and sunglasses.”
“We wish to acknowledge the very generous support given by Peter Hopgood and his team at Outrigger on the Lagoon . Fiji in providing us with accommodation and playing a big part in giving back to the community,” Dr. Price said.
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