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Quilts share vision
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n the scope of international ophthalmology, SEI will provide an
annual course for American eye surgeons who are preparing to serve
overseas. In addition, the Pratt professor would oversee all the
activities involved with bringing international teachers to MUSC to
train; educating the teachers before they return to their native
country. A portion of Pratt’s gift was put into an expendable fund to
finance these projects associated with the international ophthalmology
chair program.
“It’s incredibly important, because Dr. Pratt has been coming here for
eye care for more than 50 years and has given to us before,” said
Wilson, M.D. “I think this is much closer to his heart. He spends much
of his time in Central America and knows firsthand some of the
preventable blindness occurring in that part of the world. He’s going
to help us contribute to eradicating preventable blindness.”
Several factors contribute to the high incidence of cataracts, or
clouding of the eye lens, among developing nations and indigent
populations. Factors include poor nutrition, prolonged exposure to
ultraviolet light, and a lack of preventative eye care. To repair a
cataract-inflicted eye, surgeons insert an artificial lens to replace
the damaged natural lens.
Friday, March 20, 2009
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