Since 2015, one of America’s oldest eye clinics, Wills Eye Hospital, has been providing life-changing care to wounded Ukrainian soldiers with severe head or face injuries. This incredible initiative has been made possible by the dedication and expertise of one surgeon with Ukrainian roots, Dr. Iryna Solomko. Her personal connection to the cause has driven her to make a difference in the lives of these brave soldiers. This is the story of how Wills Eye Hospital and Dr. Solomko are helping Ukrainian soldiers regain their vision and their hope for the future.
The conflict in Ukraine has been ongoing since 2014, and it has taken a toll on the country and its people. Among the many casualties of this war are the soldiers who have suffered severe head or face injuries, resulting in vision loss. For these soldiers, the loss of vision not only affects their physical abilities but also their mental and emotional well-being. It can be a devastating blow to their sense of self and their future prospects.
Enter Wills Eye Hospital, a renowned eye clinic in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a history dating back to 1832. The hospital has a long-standing reputation for providing exceptional eye care and is a leader in ophthalmology research and education. In 2015, the hospital joined forces with the Ukrainian American Veterans organization to launch the Wills Eye Hospital Ukraine Project. The goal of this project is to provide specialized eye care to wounded Ukrainian soldiers and help them regain their vision.
Dr. Iryna Solomko, a Ukrainian-born oculoplastic surgeon, is the driving force behind this project. Dr. Solomko has a personal connection to the cause, as her family still lives in Ukraine. She was deeply affected by the ongoing conflict and wanted to do something to help. When she learned about the Wills Eye Hospital Ukraine Project, she knew she had to be a part of it.
Dr. Solomko’s expertise in oculoplastic surgery, a specialized field that focuses on the structures around the eye, makes her uniquely qualified to treat the soldiers’ injuries. She has been working tirelessly to provide these soldiers with the best possible care, using the latest techniques and technology. Her dedication and compassion have earned her the respect and admiration of her patients and colleagues.
The impact of the Wills Eye Hospital Ukraine Project has been life-changing for the soldiers who have received treatment. One such soldier is Andriy, who suffered a severe head injury during combat. The injury left him blind in one eye and with limited vision in the other. He was unable to work and provide for his family, and his future looked bleak. But thanks to the care he received at Wills Eye Hospital, Andriy’s vision has been restored, and he can now see his family and the world around him again.
The project has also had a significant impact on the soldiers’ mental and emotional well-being. Many of them have lost hope for the future, but the gift of sight has given them a new sense of purpose and motivation. They can now envision a future where they can work and support their families, and that has brought them immense joy and gratitude.
The Wills Eye Hospital Ukraine Project has not only provided essential medical care to these soldiers but has also strengthened the bond between the United States and Ukraine. The project has received support from both governments, and it is a testament to the strong relationship between the two countries. It is a shining example of how people from different nations can come together to make a positive impact on the world.
Dr. Solomko and her team at Wills Eye Hospital continue to provide care to wounded Ukrainian soldiers, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2019, Dr. Solomko was honored with the Ukrainian American Veterans’ Outstanding Service Award for her dedication and contribution to the project. She remains committed to helping these soldiers and is an inspiration to all who know her.
In conclusion, the Wills Eye Hospital Ukraine Project is a shining example of how one person’s determination and compassion can make a significant difference in the lives of others. Dr. Iryna Solomko and her team at Wills Eye Hospital have given the gift of sight to wounded Ukrainian soldiers, restoring their hope and changing their lives for the better. This project is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and that together, we can make a positive impact on the world.
