Doctor Mingrone participates in Eye Mission in Nicaragua
Dr. Robert P. Mingrone, Optometrist, along with his daughter, Samantha, participated in the 12th annual VOSH-CT mission to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua from January 8th to 16th. This was Dr. Mingrone's second trip. The acronym, VOSH, represents Volunteer Optometric Service to Humanity and the VOSH-CT chapter is headquartered here in Connecticut.
The team consisted of 6 eye doctors from Connecticut, 17 optometric students from both the University of Berkeley and the Netherlands, 2 opticians and a number of translators and ancillary staff from both the U.S. and Nicaragua. Samantha acted as a translator. The doctors and students examined a total of 2853 patients over a 4 day period. Most patients needed eyeglasses for distance, reading or bifocals which were dispensed on site.
People living in Nicaragua are more susceptible to eye diseases such as dry eye, pterygia (a superficial eye inflammation), and cataracts because of its proximity to the Equator where the level of UV radiation is intense. These diseases, along with glaucoma were often detected and those that could be were treated with eyedrops. Sunglasses were also dispensed in order to minimize the risk of these eye conditions. No surgery was performed.
