Posted: 6/10/05
| Dallas ophthalmolgist David Stager donated surgery to correct strabismus in 10-year-old Kristina, a Russian orphan visiting Dallas as part of Buckner Angels from Abroad. (Photo by Felicia Fuller/Buckner) |
Doctors donate services to Russian orphan
By Felicia Fuller
Buckner Baptist Benevolences
A team of Dallas ophthalmologists donated corrective eye surgery to a Russian orphan visiting Dallas as part of the Buckner Orphan Care International Angels from Abroad host program.
Ten-year-old Kristina underwent surgery June 4 to correct strabismus, an optic muscle malady that causes the eyes to appear crossed or imbalanced.
“We are so grateful for the benevolence of these doctors and their willingness to give their time and resources to help a child who might not otherwise have access to proper healthcare,” said Tiffany Taylor, marketing director for Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls.
David Stager, along with one of his associates, performed the 30-minute procedure. Stager, who has practiced ophthalmology in Dallas 35 years, donated a similar procedure to an orphan girl with last year's Angels from Abroad contingent. His partner, Priscilla Berry, also offered her services last year.
Stager said his surgeon's fees average around $1,500, while the anesthesiologist usually charges between $500 and $700. Healthsouth–where the operation took place–contributed to the cause by reducing its facility charges from $3,700 to $300.
Launched last year, Buckner Angels from Abroad raises awareness about the preponderance of older children living in Russian orphanages and Buck-ner Orphan Care International's programs to improve their lives. The orphans, who range from 7 to 14 years old, reside locally with volunteer host families from the Christian community.
Becky and Reggie Boles of Dallas are hosting Kristina and her 11-year-old brother, Dima. The Boleses also hosted Olga, the Angel who last year underwent corrective eye surgery for strabismus.
For more information about Buckner Orphan Care International and Angels from Abroad, visit www.helporphans.org.
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