Sudan

Richard Gieser, MD, returned to Khartoum for his third visit in November 2005. While there he taught in the Khartoum Eye Clinic and the Walidin Charity Eye Hospital. In addition to examining patients and doing some photocoagulation he lectured daily to the native residents. Developing a resident education program is a priority for those involved in resident teaching in Khartoum. The first Journal Club was also presented during his visit. Here, the residents discussed eight classic studies in ophthalmology. The San Diego Eye Bank and Chicago Eye Bank provided seven eyes for corneal transplantation. These surgeries were expertly performed by local corneal specialists. While in Khartoum, Mrs. Gieser painted a 4'x8' representation of "Peace in Sudan".

Richard Gieser, MD, clinical associate professor, and his wife Marge, traveled to Khartoum, Sudan in November. Dr. Gieser worked at two eye hospitals and a diabetic clinic, seeing 15-20 interesting retina patients each day. He also presented the lecture "Treatment of Medical Disorders of the Retina with the Laser" to 20-30 ophthalmologists at the University of Khartoum. Through the generosity of the Illinois Eye Bank and the International Eye Bank in Maryland, Dr. Gieser brought corneas for transplantation during his visit, bringing new sight to six people. Mrs. Gieser spent 25 hours painting a 4’x’6’ painting of Christ washing the disciples’ feet for a local church. In the painting, the group observing the washing of the feet ceremony represented the different ethnic groups of the Sudan in their native garb.