Edmond Medical Center to Provide Free Cataract Surgeries

Appointments can be made for the free screenings at the physicians' office. If the patient qualifies for the cataract surgery and is in financial need they will be asked to return for the procedure. There is limited availability and the program is open only to patients without medical insurance, such as Medicare, Medicaid, VA Benefits, etc. Surgeries will be scheduled August 11 and 13th and August 25th and 30th. The surgery, which, on average, takes about 20 minutes, will include lens implants, supplies and all follow-up care. All services of the physician and staff at Edmond Medical Center will be donated.

Dr. Gourley and Dr. Hogue have always enjoyed being able to perform cataract surgeries on mission trips abroad. However, both realized the need to bring their missionary work home to local Oklahomans who couldn't afford the high cost of cataract removal, yet depended on their sight to continue working. Although cataract surgery is quite common, the highly technical instrumentation and skills required to perform the surgery make it costly for those without health insurance. The cost of cataract surgery generally totals $6500 per eye.

Mission Cataract USA began as oneCalifornia surgeon performing 21 free surgeries in 1991. The annual program has grown to over 300 physicians across the country performing thousands of free cataract surgeries on Mission Cataract USA day each year. Edmond Medical Center became involved with the program in 1993, the first year the program expanded nationwide. This year, the free surgeries will be performed at more than 50 clinics and hospitals in 29 states.

Interested applicants are encouraged to make an appointment for a free screening at 405.341.4238. To qualify for the Mission Cataract services, applicants must show financial hardship and be visually impaired by cataracts. All paperwork must be completed by August 1, 2008 for inclusion in this year's Mission Cataract project.

About Edmond Medical Center

A medical center for more than 60 years, Edmond Medical Center (EMC) combines state-of-the-art technology with compassionate care for the residents ofEdmond, northernOklahoma County and southernLogan County. EMC is an HCA facility and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. It has over 300 physicians on staff representing more than 50 specialties, 500 dedicated employees and 90 loyal members of the volunteer auxiliary.

The hospital features an impressive Level III emergency department that has been recognized nationally as a leader in patient satisfaction. Other hospital services include: cardiopulmonary care, intensive care, rehabilitation services, diagnostic imaging, pain management, medical/surgical care, geropsychiatric care, spine care, liver care, ENT clinic, cardiac care and an outpatient physical therapy and sports medicine program.

Conveniently located in the heart ofEdmond at 2nd Street and Bryant, Edmond Medical Center is easily accessible to the area's major highways and yet is close to home for mostEdmond families.

SOURCE Edmond Medical Center

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