Decorah Lions learn about Panama

(Left to right): Decorah Lions Club president Karl Jacobsen with Decorah optometrist Brad Schwartz

Decorah optometrist Brad Schwartz told the members of the Decorah Lions Club about the Panama Eye Care Mission he undertook in June 2011.

Schwartz, along with his two sons and eight volunteer staff from Meehan and Schwartz Family Eye Care, flew, bumped along in packed vans and navigated by motorboat and canoe to the Boca del Toro area of Panama, a group of islands off the Caribbean coast of western Panama.  They went to assist members of the native Guyami Indians with their eye care needs.
In cooperation with the local Lions Club, the group set up temporary clinics in several area schools.  They were equipped with eye medications donated by pharmaceutical companies, glasses donated by Decorah residents, portable vision testing equipment and monetary donations from individuals, groups, churches and the Decorah Lions Club.

The mission examined over 450 people and distributed over 600 pairs of glasses, many of which were non-prescription sunglasses.  Schwartz said that he was happily surprised by the small amount of eye disease encountered, the local people spend a great deal of time out doors, in bright sunshine and on the water.  He did say the the onset of the need for reading glasses seemed to come at an earlier age, mid 30's, than occurs in the Decorah area.  When he returns, he will attempt to bring more reading glasses.