Brayden and Laura: Bihar India
Global Impact Fellows With Unite for Sight
We just returned from Bihar India with a group called Unite for Sight to volunteer at the AB Eye Institute in March 2010. Unite for Sight is a non-profit organization that aims to prevent blindness by applying best practices for health care. This program works with local ophthalmologists and optometrists to provide eye exams, eye surgery, and outreach to poverty stricken communities in developing countries like Ghana, India, and Honduras. While abroad, we screened patients for cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye diseases. We participated in sight restoring cataract surgeries. Thanks to the support of SO many people, we have raised more than $3200 to support 64 cataract surgeries! This blog is meant to keep all those who have contributed to this effort informed and help them see where their donations are going.
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We want to personally thank EVERYONE who has contributed to our fundraising effort for cataract surgeries in Patna, India.
Feel free to check out the success on our fundraising page!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Good News!

Brayden has been waiting for a couple of weeks to hear back from the IRB at the University of Utah for approval to proceed with his research, "Patient perceptions of eye diseases and treatment in Bihar India" . Because the research presented no more than "minimal" risk to participants - that is to say, the survey that will be administered will not identify patients in any way, etc., it was approved for an expedited review. After the first day, the IRB posted the project in "final processing". For almost 2 weeks, nothing happened. Brayden (being a little impatient by nature, ha ha) contacted the IRB concerning the status. After all, we are leaving to India in 16 days. Turns out that there was a glitch in their study application que and Brayden's was overlooked. It was then immediately approved. Ha ha, I guess that means it isn't always bad to be a little impatient and ask questions.

What does this all mean? Well, now that Brayden's research has been deemed ethical and a good study design, he will be able to continue preparing for data collection. The surveys have been translated and must be duplicated to take to India. Because time is of the essence (we are only in India for 10 days) and a large sample must be studied, the research needs to start as soon as we arrive. That means that a plan needs to be formed for the clinical staff at the A.B. Eye Institute about their role in the research. Dr. Sinha has been an integral part of the formation of the research. He has arranged for the lead optometrist at his hospital to accompany Brayden as a translator. Laura will also be collecting data periodically.

We are getting so excited to leave! It is hard to believe that back in early December volunteering with Unite for Sight was only an idea. From the application process, the daunting task of fundrasing and glasses collection to preparing a research project in less than 2 months, we are both so proud to look at all that has been accomplished this new year! WE COULD HAVE NEVER DONE ANY OF THIS WITHOUT THE HELP OF THE DONORS! We will remember this experience forever and we hope that this blog will help everyone who has donated to feel just as much a part of the effort! Stay tuned for packing and then the updates from India!
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