Peru Trek 2015
April 15, 2015
TCAP Programs
On June 13, 2015, five Legend Treks team members departed the U. S for Cusco, Peru. In Cusco we joined with Peruvian team members and conducted free eye clinics in six communities. This "Vision Trek" included partners who have a distinguished history of service in the communities served this year. Those partners are Legend Treks, Living Heart Peru, La Fuentes Eye Clinic and the Cusco Lions Club #3694.
The clinics provided the following services for 550 patients:
- Assessment of blood pressure, weight, height and capillary blood sugar levels.
- Near and distant vision acuity testing and examination of the internal eye.
- Provision of eye glasses for near vision.
- Scheduling of follow-up exams by an ophthalmologist.
During our ten day trek team members were able to explore important archaeological sites in and around the Sacred Valley, including Machu Picchu. We met many Peruvians who welcomed us into their homes and communities and bonded with the wonderful local volunteers who were enthusiastic teammates.
Trek accomplishments:
- Physical exams and vision screening for 550 patients from six different communities.
- Introduction of Legend Treks to six communities who had never been exposed to Legend Treks and our international acts of service.
- Provided the supplies and medications required for the provision of 50 cataract surgeries by La Fuentes Eye Clinic in Cusco.
- Distributed 1,200 pairs of eye glasses (500 pairs in eye clinics and 700 pairs for distribution by the Cusco Lions Club and La Fuentes Eye Clinic).
- Funded the provision of 29 pairs of prescription eye glasses by La Fuentes Eye Clinic.
- Facilitated the creation of a very successful partnership which included Peruvian community service organizations, local governments, individual community volunteers from the U.S.and Peru, members of the Lions Clubs of Rogers, Arkansas and Cusco, the Lions Clubs International Foundation, Peruvian eye care providers and ALCON, an international pharmaceutical corporation.
I appreciate all of the time, energy and resources contributed by the entire Legend Treks Team. All team partners agree to continue our works of service during the coming years. Planning is underway for future vision treks to Peru during February and July, 2016. If you want to receive periodic updates on these treks, contact me at legendtreks@gmail.com. Any and all donations are appreciated and can be provided on our web site. Legend Treks is a 501(c)(3) public charity. All donations are tax deductible. I hope to see you on the trail of service.
God Bless!
Larry Boyd Nutt
Fellow Trekker and President of Legend Treks
Support Legend Treks
These "vision treks" are possible only because you continue to support Legend Treks with your funding and volunteered time. If you have thought about joining a team that will bring great blessings and a tremendous sense of accomplishment we have reserved a place for you!
Maybe you're not available to serve on this year's trek to Peru but feel compelled to participate and make an impact to bring eye care to ours less fortunate. Persons interested in supporting the year's trek monetarily are encouraged to donate any amount of money. Donations from individuals, groups, clubs and businesses are welcomed. Receipts will provided immediately by e-mail.
