Ticino ophthalmologists in Mexico: free surgeries to restore sight

Context

In brief

• A Swiss team operates on Mexican patients to treat cataracts.
• The initiative is by the Swiss Foundation against Blindness.
• The operations take place in a public hospital in Cancún.

Key facts

• What: Free operations to treat cataracts.
• When: Since November 2001, with the last mission in 2026.
• Where: Public hospital in Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
• Who: Swiss Foundation against Blindness, with a team of 17 doctors, opticians, and assistants.
• Amount: Up to 60 patients operated per day, for a total of nearly 500 operations in two weeks.

In Mexico, millions of people have lost their sight due to cataracts, a disease amplified by tropical UV rays, diabetes, and poor nutrition. However, the decisive factor remains economic: the operation costs too much for the majority of patients, who wait up to ten years before regaining their sight. The Swiss Foundation against Blindness has been trying to change this for 26 years. It all began in November 2001 when the ophthalmologist from Olten, Alex Heuberger, went to Acapulco without speaking a word of Spanish. “We operated on 50 people, and they were all happy, as was I. We said to ourselves: we want to continue,” Heuberger told Falò.

More than two decades later, a team of 17 doctors, opticians, and assistants—mostly from Ticino—returned to Quintana Roo for two weeks of operations. The goal is to operate on nearly 500 patients, up to 60 per day, in a public hospital in Cancún provided by the state. By 7:30 AM, the line in front of the facility is already long. They come from the poorest rural areas of the region. “We try to bring them light again,” explains Theo Singer, president of the foundation, in his sixth year in Mexico, to RSI.

Operational difficulties

The difficulties are not lacking. The specialized material travels from Mexico City, the operating rooms have to be set up from scratch, and the hospital beds are arranged one by one. Sudden blackouts, heat, and humidity that fog the lenses of the instruments are added. “Here, cataracts are much more mature and difficult to treat. We don’t know the patient until we have them on the table. We have to adapt,” observes Pietro Roberti, an ophthalmologist from Bellinzona, on his first Mexican experience.

Impact on the local community

On the local side, Norma Aragon, executive president of the foundation in Mexico, keeps things in order. Thanks to the agreement with the Department of Health, selected patients and a companion receive free transportation and accommodation. “Here, we say it’s like winning the lottery,” she recounts. A lottery that truly changes lives. Gonzalo, an elementary school teacher, couldn’t afford the operation: now he can see again. Mauro, a teenager with disabilities, regains his sight after 16 years. “An operation of ten, fifteen minutes, and life changes completely,” concludes Heuberger. “For me, it’s normal; for others, it’s a miracle.”

Operational details

The initiative by the Swiss Foundation against Blindness represents an example of international solidarity that has a significant impact on the lives of people in Mexico. Swiss ophthalmologists, particularly those from Ticino, bring not only advanced medical skills but also a sense of humanity and dedication that transcends national borders.

Implications for Mexican Patients

For Mexican patients, the opportunity to undergo free surgery means a turning point in their quality of life. Cataracts are a debilitating condition that limits the ability to work, study, and interact with the surrounding world. Restoring sight to these individuals not only improves their physical health but also their psychological and social well-being. For example, Gonzalo can now return to teaching, contributing to the local community, while Mauro, the adolescent with disabilities, can finally see the world around him.

Challenges for Swiss Ophthalmologists

Swiss ophthalmologists face numerous challenges during their missions in Mexico. Operating conditions are often difficult, with sudden blackouts, heat, and humidity that can compromise the effectiveness of the interventions. Additionally, the lack of pre-operative knowledge among patients requires great adaptability and competence from the doctors. Despite these difficulties, the Swiss team continues to operate with dedication, demonstrating a constant commitment to the foundation's mission.

The Importance of International Collaboration

Collaboration between the Swiss Foundation against Blindness and Mexican authorities is crucial for the success of the missions. The agreement with the Mexican Department of Health ensures that selected patients receive free transportation and accommodation, facilitating access to care. This synergy between institutions and non-governmental organizations is a model of how international cooperation can make a difference in people's lives.

Future Prospects

The Swiss Foundation against Blindness continues to work to expand its impact in Mexico and other regions of the world. The goal is not only to operate on as many patients as possible but also to train local doctors to ensure continuity of care. This sustainable approach aims to create a lasting impact, improving the quality of life for local communities and reducing dependence on external interventions.

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Key points

If you're interested in contributing or learning more about how you can support similar initiatives, visit the Swiss Foundation against Blindness website. Your donation can make a difference in the lives of those who have lost their sight due to cataracts. For more information on how to donate or participate in similar missions, check out the donation calculator.

Procedure to Contribute

1. Visit the Foundation's Website: Access the official website of the Swiss Foundation against Blindness to discover the various opportunities to contribute. 2. Choose the type of support: You can donate money, offer your time as a volunteer, or participate in awareness campaigns. 3. Make a donation: Use the donation calculator to determine the amount you wish to donate and follow the instructions to complete the transaction. 4. Join a mission: If you are a healthcare professional, you can apply to join one of the foundation's missions in Mexico or other regions of the world. 5. Spread the word: Share the initiative with friends and family to raise awareness and collect as many funds as possible.

Useful Tools

• Donation Calculator: Use this tool to determine the amount you wish to donate and get an estimate of the impact of your donation.
• Volunteer Guide: Download the volunteer guide to discover how you can contribute to the foundation's missions.
• Foundation Blog: Read success stories and testimonials from patients who have benefited from free surgeries.

Conclusion

The initiative of the Swiss Foundation against Blindness is an example of how international solidarity can make a difference in people's lives. With your support, you can contribute to restoring sight to those in need and improving the quality of life in local communities. Visit the foundation's website and discover how you can make a difference today.

Source: rsi.ch