Our Most Recent Medical Mission Trip

Eye Medical Mission Trip to Leticia, Colombia:

 A Journey of Sight and Service

 

We are excited to share the incredible impact of our recent eye medical mission trip to Leticia, Colombia! From March 31 to April 3, 2025, Dr. Kim and the Global Vision Outreach eye team provided care to 270 patients and performed 38 vision-restoring eye surgeries — all within just four days!

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Our team served aboard the Medical Ministry International (MMI) medical boat, moored at the flood waters of the majestic Amazon River. We were graciously hosted by Pastor Hong and Pastor Kim, a devoted missionary couple from The Good Friends Church in Santa Rosa, Peru. Their generous hospitality covered everything from coordinating van and boat transportation to making sure we were well-fed with delicious lunches, lovingly prepared by church members and dinners at local restaurants in Leticia, Colombia, and nearby Tabatinga, Brazil. We're happy to report that no one got sick — thank you, pastors!

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​Our journey began on Saturday, March 29, when we arrived in Leticia and got straight to work preparing the eye clinic and operating room aboard the MMI boat. We brought nearly 400 pounds of medical supplies and equipment that had to be unpacked; we assembled a surgical microscope (transported in pieces), a portable autoclave sterilizer and a surgeon’s chair.  One thoughtful addition was a custom-made patient headrest, crafted by our friend Steve from our U.S. Bible study group—an invaluable comfort for both patients and the surgeon. (Thank you, Steve!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​On Sunday, March 30, we crossed the river by ferry to visit The Good Friends Church in Santa Rosa, Peru. The vibrant, four-hour service was filled with passionate worship, heartfelt testimonies (including Dr. Kim’s), and an inspiring message. We were also deeply moved by the church’s outreach efforts, including their community bakery and water purification center. Their dedication to improving lives—both spiritually and physically—was truly inspiring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our first clinic day kicked off on March 31 at 8 AM. We saw 38 patients and completed 7 surgeries that day. As word spread, more and more people arrived seeking care.

By April 3, our final day, we were seeing 90 patients a day and performing 11 surgeries—with over 50 people lining up by 6 AM.  Unfortunately, we had to turn away about 30 patients due to time constraints. In addition to surgeries, we also dispensed 160 sunglasses and 50 reading glasses, and treated glaucoma patients with eye medication.

 

Most of the surgeries we performed were pterygium removals—a common eye condition in sunny, tropical regions where a fleshy growth forms on the white part of the eye and gradually extends toward the pupil. If left untreated, it can invade the cornea and block the line of sight, leading to significant and sometimes permanent vision loss. Caused by prolonged exposure to sun, wind, and dust, pterygium can also cause chronic redness, irritation, and discomfort. Through surgery, we carefully removed the growth to restore clear vision and prevent further deterioration, offering patients not only relief from discomfort but also the chance to preserve and regain their sight.

 

Our dedicated team—Dr. Kim (ophthalmologist surgeon), Dr. Cho (optometrist), Erin (ophthalmic technician), Juan (OR nurse fluent in Spanish), and Devon (OR general helper)—worked tirelessly from 8 AM to 6 PM each day, taking only a short 30-minute break for lunch.  Despite the long hours, the experience was deeply rewarding. We were blessed by the warmth of the local communities, the vibrant spirit of the church, and the excellent amenities on the MMI boat, complete with a functioning air-conditioned eye clinic and operating room – an unexpected blessing in the Amazon heat!

 

This mission was a beautiful example of God's perfect choreography—bringing together people, resources, and communities from around the globe to create something that reflects God’s glory. Thirty-eight individuals regained their sight, and we’re honored to have played a role in their healing. 

 

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who supported us through prayer, donations, and encouragement. Your generosity helped make this mission possible.

God bless you all!

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