People on some of Vanuatu's most remote islands will be undergoing eye surgery following the installation of a clinic on a medical vessel.
Photo: Supplied/ Marine Reach
Rotary clubs have raised thousands of dollars for optical equipment for the MV Pacific Hope, which has already been providing dental surgery in the Pacific.
The founder of New Zealand based faith charity Marine Reach David Cowie said the ship will sail out of New Zealand in April and head to Vanuatu.
He said they will be treating people like a 10-year-old child he met on a recent visit.
"I promised this little boy that I'd come back one day and take care of his blind eye, the cataract, really cute kid. Teacher said he was bright but was struggling because of his eyesight. So he represents dozens of children as well as adults throughout the islands that really desperately need help"
The MV Pacific Hope. Photo: Supplied/ Marine Reach
Mr Cowie said there was virtually no optical care in Vanuatu, and the country's only ophthalmologist is away this year.