An ophthalmologic center in El Alto, where Cuban doctors see patients from Bolivia and other neighboring countries free of charge, is marking almost 10 years of service as part of the Operation Miracle program.
"The hospital was opened in 2006, and we provide services here in clinical ophthalmology, cataract surgery, pterygium and glaucoma; retinal laser and consultation," director, Elsa Luisa Perez Valenciano, explained.
 
People from La Paz, where El Alto is located, as well as citizens from Peru, Chile and Brazil come to the center daily, Perez Valenciano said.
 
During a tour of the facility, Prensa Latina noted the work carried out by health workers and had the opportunity to talk to some of the patients.
 
The hospitals staff comprises of 13 health workers, including ophthalmologists, nursing professionals, a anesthesia, a specialist in clinical laboratory, a pharmacist, a specialist in electro-medical equipment, a cardiologist, and a specialist in general medicine.
 
Operation Miracle was launched in 2004 by the Historic Leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, and the then Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez to assist people with visual impairment. Since then more than three million patients have benefited from this project.
 
About 672,700 Bolivian people with low incomes have undergone free surgery, and six ophthalmologic centers have been put in operation in the country.