Dr. Aaron Glicklis examines the eyes of a staff person at the Mevasseret Zion Absorption Center. Dr. Glicklis of Israel joined Dr. Steven Kutner, Medical Director of Jewish Health International (JHI) in Atlanta, who visited the Absorption Center for an entire day to offer eye examinations and healthcare services to the immigrants at the Center.

June 7, 2010 / 25 Sivan 5770

Dr. Steven Kutner, Medical Director of Jewish Health International (JHI), once again volunteered his time and expertise to help new immigrants living in Jewish Agency Absorption Centers. 

On May 30, 2010, Dr. Kutner came from Atlanta to Israel for only four days and devoted one entire day to examining the eyes of the newly arrived Ethiopian immigrants in the Mevasseret Zion Absorption Center outside of Jerusalem. 

Dr. Kutner, along with Optometrist Aaron Glicklis from Beer-Sheva, checked the eyes of 85 olim, 34 of them were found to be in need of glasses and 17 need two pairs of glasses.  Seven olim received reading glasses on the spot.  In addition, 10 olim were referred to additional doctors to deal with a variety of more serious problems.  JHI assures all the olim they examined who needed prescription glasses that they receive them.

Eye examinations are an important part of health maintenance for everyone. Vision is closely linked to the learning process. Ethiopian immigrants usually do not complain of vision problems simply because they do not know what "normal" vision is.  To witness these olim put on glasses and watch their faces light up as they can suddenly see the world is something that cannot be described in words. 

A special thank-you to Dr. Kutner and Jewish Health International!
 
JHI is a non-profit organization that brings healthcare volunteers from the United States and Israel to help thousands of impoverished community members around the world gain access to healthcare. Particular emphasis is placed on the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, Israel and areas stricken by disaster.