24/06/2022
Una cirugía puede cambiar la vida de alguien. Gracias Dr Luis De la O. Y gracias a todas las personas que hacen esto posible.
I met Juan this morning. He was a very quiet, slight and soft-spoken, 60-year old man who looked like he suffered having the weight of the world on his back. He lost his sight due to cataracts when he was 35. That is 25 years of blindness – almost half of his life.
He was a productive member of society until he lost his sight. He drove a taxi and he was an artist. His hobby was drawing people. He was also a father of three.
He has lived alone in Delicias, Chihuahua and sent his three children to the United States many years ago. He literally has not seen them in 20 years even though they periodically visit. Juan recognizes them by their voices.
He says that he does not receive government help. When asked where or how he gets money, he replied that he does whatever he can, like collecting cans along side of the road. But being blind and with hearing problems, he is scared when does this as he has been almost hit by cars multiple times.
Juan’s stays in his home most of the time as he is afraid that he will get lost if he wanders too far.
He always wanted to see doctors but did not have the money. He said each visit would have cost about $500 pesos (or about $28 USD). Consequently, he tried treating his cataracts with teas and special herbs.
We talked about what happens next now that he regained vision in one eye. He will attempt to improve his life and living conditions by looking for work. He will try and start drawing again. Perhaps he may be able to drive again.
He was extremely grateful. He asked the name of his surgeon and was told it was Dr. Luis De la O from Torreon. Juan got to meet Dr. De la O shortly afterward and thanked him in person.
