iDoctor Blog

Dr. Jeff took Dr. Tan to Celaya, Mexico to learn the Rutgard Technique, which has helped thousands of blind Mexicans return to a normal life with the gift of sight.  Dr. Tan participated, learning Dr. Rutgard’s technique which promotes quick healing; a problem in the 3rd World due to lack of sanitary conditions.

Dr. Jeff has been helping poor Mexicans many of them indiginos.  Some of the oldest tribes on the planet live in rural parts of Mexico, and diet is the major contributor to blindness.   Dr. Rugard has given thousands a second chance at life with the restoration of their vision, making them productive in their societies.

One of Dr. Jeff’s patients Juanita,  an 18 year old girl who has lost her vision from of Diabetes causing blinding cataracts at her young age.

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 December 10, 2011  - Tecate, Mexico

“Thirteen blind, assisted into a charity clinic run by the “Flying Samaritans,” walked out with sight!” says Medical Director, Pat Griffith.  This was a unique situation as the team consisted of Dr. Jeff Rutgard, Ann Hornby, Shervin Alborzian, Steve Montgomery, and Igor Kozak.  Surgical assistants included Vy Le, Alex Gomez, and clinic assistant Rachel Johnston.

Dr. Igor Kozak, Professor of Ophthalmology, UCSD Medical School, Dept of Ophthalmology, along with Shervin Alborzian, and Steven Montgomery were taught the “Rutgard Technique,” a unique, quick-healing sutureless cataract surgery.”  Created by Jeff Rutgard, this technique was developed to help his hundreds of patients a year, in underdeveloped areas of the world.

Dr. Rutgard, who selflessly performs humanitarian eye surgeries on the poor world-wide, demonstrated this quick procedure; his revolutionary techniques allowing for the surgery to take as little as 8-10 minutes.

During the training, Dr. Rutgard humbly advised his colleagues, “Never rush in surgery.  Do each step with focus and precision.  Aim for excellence so that you give to each patient the highest quality that you can give.”  Rutgard believes that no matter how poor they are they deserve the very best.”

October 20, 2011

Public Health Program: Ebeye, Marshall Islands

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I just returned from Celaya, Mexico bringing sterile medical and surgical supplies donated by Alcon USA to SEE International who compiled all of the needed items in order to perform 50 surgeries.  This project was the combined effort of Dr. Jeffrey Rutgard, Dr. Eduardo Irusteta, SEE International, Celaya Rotary Club under the auspices of President Peggy Ritchie.  This project is one of good will bridging the gap between two nations that are feeling the alienation caused by the drug wars and rampant violence creating daily headlines.  50 blind poor who are unable to afford the cost of eye surgery have been chosen to receive this humanitarian gift.  How can we join together across borders and provide the needed medical and surgical care for the poor who have nowhere to turn.  Please share your ideas and thoughts so that together we may continue to break down the barriers and reach out giving a hand to the most needy.  Thank you.

By the end of the two weeks, joy filled the hospital corridors as 123 very happy patients returned for their last examination by Dr. Jeff, a chance to wish him well, and give him hugs of appreciation.  This team was made up of an accountant, a school nurse, an optometrist, two physiotherapists, a surgical eye nurse, a volunteer surgical eye assistant, an administrative nurse, Tim, the volunteer nurse who does general medical outreaches, a hospital-based nurse-teacher, a business man, and a student. All have come together to assist Rutgard and iSight Missions to restore sight to those who would otherwise have a life of darkness.

For Whole Story:  http://www.free-press-release.com/news-isight-missions-dr-jeff-rutgard-restores-sight-to-the-blind-in-samoa-1302461693.html

Palau Mission March 8-22, 2011
We were able to help many poor and blind in the south pacific island of Palau with the help of the minister of health: Stevenson Kuartei MD.  Islanders included nearly 100 blind folks who have been blind for about 8-12 years who ranged in age from 40 to 89 years old.  We accomplished over 400 examinations, ultrasound and keratometry testing, then performed 60 operations restoring vision to once-blind islanders.   Joyful appreciation filled the hospital halls, and a new hope was brought to the island of Palau.

WOULD YOU JOIN US ON A MISSION?  NOT?  THOUGHTS?

Just completed a fantastic eye mission to southern Bolivia. Thousands of patients waited in line in the rain day and night hoping that their turn would come to see the volunteer MMI eye team.  Nearly three thousand glasses were given out, the first time the poor in this region ever had a pair.About 300 cataract surgeries were performed by a group of volunteer eye surgeons including Dr. Jeff Rutgard who performed a rapid healing small incision cataract surgery allowing the poor blind to see the very next day as soon as their eye patches were removed.  Dr. Jeff also taught his surgical technique to local eye doctors as well as to other volunteer eye surgeons from the U.S., Canada, and Germany.Many volunteers on this humanitarian project were not doctors or nurses but people who just wanted to give a helping hand and w/o their help, this project would not have been an overwhelming success.IS THIS A MISSION PROJECT THAT YOU WOULD VOLUNTEER FOR?

This site is for discussion of eye health and needs for the Third World, currently deficient in eye care and techniques.  Dr. Rutgard has created many techniques currently being taught to practitioners.  Please leave comments.

The number of chronically hungry people is approaching 1bn, the level last seen during the 2007-08 food crisis, in the clearest sign yet of the humanitarian impact of rising agricultural commodities prices in poor countries.  If the most vulnerable already spend over half their money on food, what is next?