Hiking On in the Face of COVID-19

I hope everyone is well and safe during these troubling and changes times.

For the last 25 years, HCP has provided life-changing cataract surgeries in some of most remote locations in the world, trained generations of ophthalmic professionals to lead eye care programs in their own countries and strengthened local infrastructure. In the wake of the COVID-19 virus, all of us are working to navigate a new and uncertain landscape. Like you, we are monitoring the situation day-by-day.

The safety of our wonderful partners, patients, staff and volunteers is our first priority. Working with guidance from the national governments in our program areas - principally in Nepal, Ethiopia and Ghana, we have temporarily suspended high-volume surgical outreaches as a necessary precaution, as well as travel for the fellowship and training programs we support. We are helping trainees who are studying in other countries return home if possible.

Our focus, as ever, is to support our in-country partners and trainees. Since HCP's inception, we have worked to strengthen sustainable systems of eye care by providing training to all levels of ophthalmic personnel and equipment to in-country organizations. Due to HCP's investment in local training and infrastructure, where possible, our partners have been able to continue to provide eye care to people in desperate need.

We are able to support our partners and trainees because of the commitment friends who have donated to HCP. Thanks to you, our work has endured through civil war, political turmoil, and natural disasters. With your help, we will adapt to this challenge as well, and continue our work where possible and safe.

The shift of the world's public health priorities have to now focus on the COVID-19 crisis. We are continuing to supply equipment and provide outpatient care at our partner institutions in Asia and Africa, and I continue to provide care for my patients at Stanford who need urgent care.

Thank you for all you have done for HCP and the people we serve. We will keep you updated with more information as it becomes available.

With warmest gratitude — and sincere best wishes for your family’s health and wellbeing,

Geoff Tabin

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