With Mrs. Joan Musa and Mrs. Joan Samuels, two senior managers at BCVI, taking a part time role, BCVI has established a Senior Management Team (SMT) to help carry out the work of the organization. SMT members include Dana Todd (Finance and Administration), Carla Musa (Communications and Fundraising), Leolyn Garcia (Primary Eye Care Team Leader – Optometrists), Jacqueline Graham (Primary Eye Care Team Leader – Lab Technicians and Ophthalmic Assistants), and Liza Williams (Rehab Team Leader). The team is set to have its first official meeting in January 2010.

After years of service with BCVI, Mr. Omar Ceballos, the optometrist at the National Eye Clinic in Belize City, completed his contract with the organization in December. Freddy Nicholson, who has been working with BCVI since 2008, will be stationed at the NEC as of January 2010. We are more than certain that his training and experience will go a long way in preventing blindness and restoring sight. 

BCVIs Strategic Planning was held from November 3rd to the 5th at the Belize Institute of Management (BIM). The three-day seminar was conducted by Valerie Woods of InSight Management and was centered on the employees’ thoughts and views for the organization making it “our own.” Philip Hand represented Sightsavers and provided valuable input in all aspects of the plan. After thorough follow-up with Ms. Woods, we expect to receive the final version of the Plan in January 2010.  

At our five Primary Eye Care clinics countrywide, a total of 2271 patients were examined between October and December 2009. More than 800 pairs of glasses (prescription and readers) were distributed and we identified 14 new blind or low vision clients. Dr Baxter McLendon continues to provide Ophthalmic services through our National Eye Clinic in Belize City where in the last few months he examined 40 patients and performed surgeries on more than 30 of those patients.

Drs. Edward Hurst and Doug Dehning, Ophthalmologists from the United States, visited from October 29th to November 1st conducting laser treatments and cataract surgeries in Dangriga. More than 80 patients were examined and treated for Cataract and Diabetic Eye Diseases. Drs. Hurst and Dehning also donated a large quantity of supplies to the organization. Dr. Beer also visited the NEC on December 17th when he examined 15 patients and performed one laser treatment.

BCVI ’s Rehabilitation Field Officer provided support to 179 clients countrywide through 102 rehab and education support visits and 58 home visits.

It’s the end of another year! BCVI is grateful to all our visiting doctors, teams and supporters for the goals they continuously help to accomplish and we take this opportunity to thank you ALL for making 2009 the success that is was. Without your support, thousands of Belizeans would not be able to restore their sight, prevent blindness, or access rehabilitation services. We look forward to our continued relationship and hope to make 2010 a bright year in helping Belizeans keep sight of their vision!