Recently the director of the Eye Bank of Aguascalientes, Ricardo Magdaleno, provided an update on the eye bank supported by the Boerne Sunrise Rotary Club and other clubs in our district. He also recognized the efforts of Don Jones and Robert Cisneros for their continued support of this wonderful Rotary project.
The Eye Bank of Aguascalientes is a Foundation that is operated by Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Aguascalientes. The Eye Bank was founded in 1991. Robert Cisneros, A Service Above Self Recipient, met three of the founders in San Antonio at a Rotary International Forum that was held at the Hilton Hotel near the airport. They were present to exchange ideas and gain support to equip the Eye Clinic that was started. Many Clubs from District 5840, 5930 and others such as 5520, 3490 (Taiwan) and many others have been involved in providing Global Grants to make this Eye Bank a premier medical organization that treats all diseases of the eyes, surgeries, cornea transplants, cataracts, etc. It may be the largest private Eye Bank in the Southern Hemisphere. It is the best equipped medical facility to provide care to the poor. The people that get treated pay for the services based on their ability to pay.
One of the greatest experiences as a Rotarian is the restoration of sight to the blind. Robert and Don Jones have seen many children and adults that were blind and they have received the gift of sight. It is a tremendous experience to see how we as Rotarians are impacting and making a difference in people's lives. This experience has changed our lives and forged a deeper engaged Rotarian.