I am thankful and humbled for the opportunity to be included in the recent eye surgery team led by Dr. Jim Guzek of Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute.

Guzek's team just returned from a remarkably successful trip to Dembi Dolo, Ethiopia. He restored the sight of 93 of our fellow human beings by surgically removing their cataracts and replacing them with new lenses.

Guzek has conducted four eye camps and has restored sight to 311 people, but many others need surgery.

We met with Miteku, an eye nurse from Dembi Dolo, being trained to become a cataract surgeon. Guzek is helping to train Ethiopians to continue his work. Tri-Cities Sunrise Rotary Club is supporting Miteku's family during his three-year course in medical school.

Guzek's team on this trip consisted of 13 volunteers. Eight of the team members are from the Tri-Cities: Guzek and his son James, Dr. Greg Leuhrs, Dr. Bruce Flint, Janelle Harvey, Kris and Gary Troyer and yours truly. Major support comes from Tri-Cities Sunrise Rotary Club. Other local Rotary International clubs helping are Columbia Center Club, Richland Club and Pasco-Kennewick Club.

Individual contributors include Dwight Montgomery, Bella's Office Furniture, Evelyn and Nanette Walkley and Don and Eunice Warden.

All the team members paid their own travel expenses.

Don Miksch, Kennewick