Eye Do It is a non-governmental organization specializing in ophthalmology that treats eye diseases in countries where medical care is not accessible.
The association was founded by five women who are passionate about their work in this field, and who share the same desire to face challenges and push their limits.
Our main goal is to combat avoidable blindness. To achieve this, we are committed to:
Our association is funded by donations and relies on the generosity of its donors.
How can you help? Donate to Eye Do It, Chemin du Vieux Vésenaz 41, 1222 Vésenaz, Switzerland (IBAN: CH54 0078 8000 0508 6364 5). Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference.
Our work is adapted to the population of each country. The most common conditions we treat are cataracts, glaucoma, refractive errors, trachoma and pterygium.
During screenings, we identify individuals in need of medical or surgical care. We also distribute spectacles and medication.
When? March 2022
Where? Djoungolo Hospital, Yaoundé.
Who? Dr Maria Inês Rodrigues and Marie-Christine Rozier. On-site, we met the hospital director, Dr Célin Nzambé, who had already set up an excellent organizational system for the mission.
How? This mission focused solely on patient screening. It involved seven days of intense work, with an average of 100 patients screened per day (a total of 700 patients). Unfortunately, hundreds of patients had to be turned away each day due to a lack of resources to meet all the demands. During the mission, glasses and medication were distributed or prescribed. Three hundred patients were selected for potential surgery and/or additional examinations.
When? October 2022
Where? Djoungolo Hospital, Yaoundé; La Grâce Clinic, Douala.
Who? Dr. Maria Inês Rodrigues, Martine Debord, and Ornella Marroni. This mission was dedicated to performing surgeries on patients screened during the previous mission.
How? The first few days were spent at Djoungolo Hospital for consultations and the organization of surgeries. The surgeries were performed in Douala at La Grâce Clinic, in an operating theatre that had never been used before. All equipment was brought from Geneva, thanks to donations. Despite numerous logistical and human obstacles, the operating theatre was made fully functional and surgery was performed on 16 patients using phacoemulsification.
When? April 2023
Where? Mbalmayo, Yaoundé.
Who? Dr Maria Inês Rodrigues and Marie-Christine Rozier. On site, we collaborated with Professor Yannick Bilong.
How? This mission followed the previous one. The team was invited by Professor Bilong to operate at Mbalmayo Hospital, where he works and teaches. The hospital has an operating room equipped with a phacoemulsification machine and an ophthalmic microscope — basic equipment necessary for cataract surgery. The professor and his team had already screened many cataract patients before our arrival. We performed phacoemulsification cataract surgery on 35 patients, which is still a rare technique in the country.
The mission was highly educational for doctors, interns and nurses at the hospital. The goal is for medical activity and patient care to continue with the knowledge gained.
When? August 2023
Where? Santa Clotilde Health Centre, Amazon Rainforest
Who? Dr Ana Aramburu and her colleague and optometrist, Jean-Pascal Genestier. On-site, they met Dr Norberto Aramburu, medical responsible for the Health Centre, and Dr José Manuel Salazar and Dr Miguel Ángel Pinedo from Iquitos Hospital, who collaborated on the surgical part.
How? During this first mission to Peru, the team saw around 400 patients, providing essential medical care to underserved populations. It also successfully performed 87 cataract and pterygium surgeries. This mission marked an important step in the improvement of healthcare access in one of the country’s most disadvantaged regions.
We are deeply grateful to Iquitos Hospital for its support and would particularly like to thank Dr Salazar, whose commitment and collaboration were key to the mission’s success.
When? June 2024
Where? Santa Clotilde Health Centre, Amazon Rainforest
Who? Dr Aitor Castilla Lazpita and Ángel Moreno. On-site, Dr Miguel Ángel Pinedo joined the team.
How? Following the success of the first mission, a new medical team returned to this isolated region of Peru to continue the humanitarian efforts. During this second mission, 280 medical consultations were conducted, providing vital assistance to local patients. Forty cataract, pterygium and other eyelid-related surgeries were also performed, which significantly improved the quality of life for many. We are grateful for the continued support of the local community and authorities, which ensures the successful completion of these missions in the best possible conditions.
When? February 2023
Where? Nhacra
Who? Dr Maria Inês Rodrigues, in collaboration with a Portuguese association.
How? The mission was primarily surgical. Patients were first screened by two doctors, after which they were either sent for further evaluation, often leading to surgery, or given a diagnosis with a prescription for treatment. In two weeks, over 100 cataract surgeries were performed.
Do you want to collaborate with us?
If you want to participate in the next mission, fill out this form and we will contact you to evaluate.
