Surgitrac Instruments is proud to continue supporting the Andean Medical Mission (AMM), a dedicated charity working to eliminate avoidable blindness in the Beni region of Bolivia. The results this year have been truly inspiring.
AMM has now carried out nearly 2,000 free eye surgeries, helping restore sight to some of the most underserved communities in South America. In the last 12 months alone, the team completed three major outreach trips to six remote villages, treating hundreds of patients and operating on over 300 individuals suffering from blindness or severe vision impairment.
Life-Changing Work in the Heart of Bolivia
In May 2025, the AMM team travelled to Santa Rosa de Yacuma, in the Beni region. The mission was led by the experienced Jeremy Joseph, now on his fourth trip with AMM, and supported by UK-based consultant ophthalmologists Kasia and Izabella. Bolivian clinic volunteers Melanie and Hasneyth also assisted the team.
They established a fully equipped surgical station with strong support from the local hospital and surrounding communities. The team successfully operated on 104 blind patients and listed many others for an upcoming glaucoma-focused mission later this year. Patients travelled from as far south as San Borja and as far north as Riberalta to receive treatment.
A Warm Return from Former Patients
During the trip, several patients who had undergone surgery in 2017 and 2019 returned for check-ups and to say thank you. The team found them in good health and enjoying an improved quality of life thanks to their restored vision. These visits were a rewarding reminder of the long-term impact of AMM’s work.
Transforming Lives, One Operation at a Time
This year, many patients were younger, and those with bilateral blindness experienced life-changing results. One young man, who had been preparing meals by touch alone, regained near-perfect vision after surgery on both eyes. He was delighted and grateful for the outcome.
Another remarkable case involved a nurse from San Borja, who had lost most of her sight due to advanced cataracts following corticosteroid treatment for an unrelated condition two years earlier. When asked why she had not sought help, she explained that she had not wanted to take up a surgical slot that could be used for someone else. She had always put the needs of others first.
AMM made sure she received the care she deserved. In May, the team operated on both of her eyes. Before surgery, her vision was limited to hand movement in one eye and counting fingers in the other. She now has near-perfect vision and is once again able to care for others in her role as a nurse.
A Shared Commitment to Eye Care
Surgitrac Instruments is pleased to have provided surgical instruments to support AMM in its mission to restore sight across South America. We remain committed to curing blindness and improving access to essential healthcare.
We look forward to continuing this impactful partnership in the years to come.
Get Involved or Learn More
If you would like to learn more about the Andean Medical Mission or explore ways to support their life-changing work, visit www.andeanmedicalmission.co.uk or follow them on social media.
At Surgitrac, we remain committed to improving access to eye care worldwide. Contact us to find out more about Surgitrac.
📩 Email: info@surgitrac.com
🌍 Website: www.surgitrac.com
