​      In 2016, the Sponsel Foundation teamed up with doctors from around the world to open a modern eye clinic in Malawi at a location made possible by Child Legacy International. Our Eyes of Africa clinic is a permanent, full-time clinic where surgeons and researchers can engage in vision-related projects and surgeries with state of the art equipment. In 2016 and 2017 the clinic was able to assist over 590 patients and perform over 150 surgeries with mission teams  made up of Ophthalmologists and surgery trained staff, Registered Nurses, Optometrists, and various volunteers!

      This year a successful clinic was held at the Eyes of Africa location in August 2017.  Our team of 12 to include Dr. Cook from South Africa and his nurse Jenny and Ophthalmic technician Ashley, saw 230 patients and performed 58 surgical procedures.  Of course, our EOA, OCO Richard Chitedze and RN, Vincent Saka championed running the clinic and operating room along with the local Ophthalmologist Dr. Masosa. During this trip Dr. Sponsel was able to train many of them in multiple procedures including lasers.  We have plans to return in August of 2018, but with a much smaller team thanks to a donation by 2 of our board members, Cliff and Mary Moses. 
     
     Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world; approximately 1% of the population is blind; 40% of these are due to cataracts; the other leading causes include trauma, environmental issues, malnutrition, and congenital diseases. This unique clinic is the only hope for many and will serve as a model for clinics that can be set up in other African countries.