ADDIS ABABA – An Israeli medical team has treated approximately 500 Ethiopian eye patients in two days, as Operation Ethiopia is conducting a cataract surgery campaign aimed at restoring vision for over 500 individuals, the organization announced.
In a remarkable effort to bridge healthcare gaps, an Israeli medical team led by Prof. Morris E. Hartsteinis (MD) spearheading a transformative medical outreach initiative in Ethiopia while providing glasses, medications, and referrals for complicated cases to local hospitals.
As the director of Operation Ethiopia and based at Shamir Medical Center, part of Tel Aviv University School of Medicine, Hartstein and his team have made a significant impact in Ethiopia, according to the organization.
During a recent two-day mission here, he and a 15 member team including four ophthalmologists and three medical staff treated approximately 500 patients, providing glasses, medications, and referrals for complicated cases to local hospitals. The team is also set to travel to Mekelle in Tigray state to continue their work, including visits to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
In collaboration with partners like Cure Blindness and Quiha Hospital, Operation Ethiopia is conducting a cataract surgery campaign aimed at restoring vision for over 500 individuals suffering from cataracts. Hartstein emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, “Our goal is to reach those who lack access to eye care due to financial constraints or geographic barriers.”
Operation Ethiopia expressed commitment to train Ethiopian doctors in Israel, enhance local expertise in managing complex eye conditions. Despite recent challenges, including the impact of conflict in both Israel and Ethiopia, Hartstein confirmed that outreach efforts have resumed. “We come to Ethiopia four times a year on average, but we missed a year due to the war,” he explained. “Now, we are eager to do more and help as many people as possible.”
Deputy Ambassador of Israel to Ethiopia Tomer Bar-Lavi, praised Operation Ethiopia’s work, stating, “We value and support the continued important work of Operation Ethiopia in providing specialized eye care to those in need. We hope that such initiatives will continue to strengthen the relationship between our countries.”
St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, assistant professor of ophthalmology, Aserat Sime (MD) highlighted the collaboration’s benefits, noting that some medications and equipment are not readily available in Ethiopia. ” Hartstein’s team has brought some needed supplies and provided valuable training for complex cases,” he said.
As the team prepares to return to Israel after their current mission, Hartstein remains optimistic about future trips, stating, “It’s a tremendous honor for us to help the people of Ethiopia.”
Operation Ethiopia has dedicated the past decade to providing essential eye care services to underserved communities across the country, according to the physician.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2024
