Anchorage, AK, May 13, 2013 — The last week of April 2013, Anchorage ophthalmologist and resident, R. Kevin Winkle, M.D., traveled to Cambodia as a volunteer for Surgical Eye Expeditions (SEE) International. Dr. Winkle donated his time and professional services to restore eyesight, provide lectures and exchange valuable skills while in the country.
At the invitation of eye surgeons in developing countries, and with the approval of local health and civic authorities, SEE International recruits, organizes, and deploys numerous small surgical teams to underserved communities worldwide. Since its founding in 1974, SEE International and its international network of eye surgeons have examined more than 3.2 million patients and performed over 400,000 sight-restoring operations at no cost to patients.
"I have been on several volunteer trips with SEE International and it's always an exciting challenge to get into the country and perform surgeries," said Dr.Winkle. "It's also very interesting for me to see how eye care professionals are doing things in that country and, at the same time, I get to help people who would most likely not get the help they need. Most importantly, I have the opportunity to work closely with local ophthalmologists and help train them in advanced techniques so that even after I leave they are able to do more for their own people. It's amazing."
"SEE International has had as big an impact as the doctors themselves, who are helping to eradicate blindness and to reach people who wouldn't otherwise have access to eye surgery or eye care," said Dr. Winkle. "I wouldn't trade these experiences for anything, both professionally and personally and cannot thank SEE International enough for providing their huge support."
Dr. R. Kevin Winkle's Bio
Pediatric Ophthalmologist, Alaska Native Medical Center
Duke University, Fellowship Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus, 1999 – 2000; Madigan Army Medical Center, Ophthalmology Residency, 1994 – 1997; Madigan Army Medical Center Pediatric Internship, 1991 – 1992; Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences - F Edward Hebert SOM, MD, 1987 – 1991; Activities and Societies: Alpha Omega Alpha- National Honor Medical Society; United States Military Academy at West Point, BS, International Affairs 1983 – 1987
SEE Int'l press release