Teaching Hands, Healing Hearts
How one moment in Togo reminded me that healing multiplies when we share it
As a humanitarian ophthalmologist, I’ve dedicated my life to restoring sight in places where medical care is scarce and hope often feels out of reach. On a recent mission trip to Togo, I had the privilege not only to heal—but to teach—and the experience left me deeply moved.
For two days, I was joined by Dr. Vincent, a local physician eager to learn. He quietly observed my surgeries, assisted with small tasks, and soaked up every word as I explained each step of the procedures.
I showed him how I calculate the necessary muscle adjustments—how much to move the eye inward or outward, and how to secure the eye muscles with precision and care. He was deeply focused, absorbing every detail like a sponge.
“Do You Want to Give This a Try?”
On the third day, something shifted. I looked up from my surgical instruments, caught his eyes, and asked,
“Do you want to give this a try?”
His face lit up like sunrise.
“Yes,” he said with a smile that could fill the entire room.
He had done some cataract surgery before but this will be his first time doing strabismus surgery. He sat down in the surgeon’s chair—his first time in this operating room. And I stood up to become his assistant.
Step by step, I guided him through the surgery. He hesitated at moments, but I was right there by his side, reassuring him, correcting gently, encouraging confidently. We worked together, and despite the understandable nerves, the surgery went beautifully. No complications. Just a steady, meaningful handoff of healing knowledge.
Walking on Clouds
Dr. Vincent walked out of the operating room like a man who had just touched the sky.
He was radiant—elated—not just because he had completed a complex procedure, but because he now held the ability to heal.
This was a pivotal moment—not just for him, but for the countless patients he will help in the years to come. In a region where eye surgeries like these are rare and so badly needed, this knowledge is transformative.
He won’t just change lives. He will save them—from stigma, from shame, from lives lived in isolation due to something as treatable as crossed eyes.
The True Impact of Teaching
Performing a surgery myself is always meaningful. But helping someone else gain the skill to perform it? That’s a legacy.
It struck me that day:
When I operate on a child, I may be improving the next 70 or 80 years of that child’s life.
But when I teach a local doctor to operate, I’m multiplying that gift for generations.
I left the operating room feeling deeply grateful—grateful to have had the chance to not only serve, but empower.
💛 A Heartfelt Thank You
To all of my subscribers, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Your continued support makes these mission trips possible. The revenue from this newsletter directly funds the travel, equipment, and supplies needed to bring healing to places like Togo.
Because of you, a child received the gift of sight.
Because of you, a local doctor received the training to bring that gift to others.
You are part of this mission. You are part of this miracle.
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With heartfelt gratitude,
Dr. Edward Kondrot
Humanitarian Ophthalmologist
About me: I’m Dr. Edward Kondrot, a board-certified holistic ophthalmologist, author of 7 best selling books, and pioneer in alternative eye care. My mission is to help patients restore and protect their vision—naturally. I’ve spent 45 years integrating conventional ophthalmology with advanced nutrition, detox, microcurrent therapy, and regenerative protocols.
I also serve as a humanitarian eye surgeon, bringing sight-saving care to underserved communities around the world. I’m honored to be the recipient of multiple humanitarian awards recognizing this mission-driven work.
Your subscription directly supports my ongoing humanitarian work—delivering free eye surgeries and care where it's needed most.
I believe vision loss is not inevitable, and with the right tools, your body can heal.
This newsletter is my way of sharing the science, the stories, and the solutions that can keep you out of the surgical chair and in control of your sight.