A Glendale ophthalmologist, who has provided free care to thousands of Fijians with eye problems, saved the vision of an 18-year-old woman at a local hospital late last month.
Jerold E. Beeve, founder of The Beeve Foundation for World Eye and Health, teamed with eye physician and surgeon
William Fein, M.D., at Verdugo Hills Hospital in an effort to keep
Vaseva Luita's vision from worsening.
The pair successfully removed a hemangioma - an abnormal build up of blood vessels in the skin - from the woman's right cheek. The condition caused an outward eruption, threatening the Fijian woman's vision.
"Being that she's such a pretty girl, we had to get her a life," said Beeve, whose practice is in Glendale. "It was a sight-saving procedure. It (the tumor) was going to block her vision."
Following the surgery, Beeve said Luita was very giddy.
"She was so excited. She burst out in laughter and she started crying," he said. "We knew what she meant to say. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."
Beeve has traveled to Fiji since 1991, providing basic eye and health care, from vision testing to surgical procedures, to the island population and neighboring Pacific Island groups.
He is the founder of the Beeve Foundation for World Eye and Health, which is committed to expanding the education of native Island practitioners through information exchange and experiential training.
While on a trip to Turtle Island, Fiji in 1989, the eye surgeon realized the need to improve the lives and eyesight of the Fijian people, whose vision is negatively impacted by the sun's constant glare, combined with inaccessible health care and a lack of protection. Through the foundation, and with the help of volunteers, he has accomplished 17 medical missions to Fiji, helping over 3 percent of the islanders.
Thanks to the foundation, more than 21,334 children and adults have had their visions tested; over 18,503 pairs of glasses have been dispensed; and 1,748 surgical procedures have been conducted.
The foundation is made possible through the work of its volunteers and monetary donations. Verdugo Hills Hospital did not charge for the latest surgery, which cost $200,000, Beeve said.
Beeve said he will continue his work as long as he can get out of bed.
"It's a pleasure restoring vision and giving life. It makes it all worthwhile."
Donna Iljin, who works with Beeve, said the foundation is his life.
"He and his wife (Dorothy) live and breathe this foundation," she said. "it's near and dear to their hearts.
"They're generous with their money, time and spirit ... very compassionate."
Leonard LaBella, president and CEO of Verdugo Hills Hospital, said the hospital is pleased to support the foundation by offering a surgical site.
"This is indeed a very charitable and worthwhile cause," he said.
To learn more about The Beeve Foundation, visit
www.fijiforsight.org.
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