ALBANY, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 24, 2013—Through SEE International, a humanitarian non-profit organization, Dr. Allen Zieker of Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region will travel to Panama City, Panama, October 25-26 to perform cataract surgery. Due to the intense workload of this visit, the mission is known as the Catarathon, a combination of words cataract and marathon. Dr. Allen Zieker will be joined by Dr. Francis Nathan from Adelaide, Australia. They will work with the host ophthalmologist Dr. Ruben Orillac to restore sight to up to 100 cataract underprivileged patients.

Dr. Allen Zieker, a board certified ophthalmologist, serves as President of Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region and the Director of Cataract Surgery.

Many patients are totally blind from cataracts, a condition that is easily curable in the United States. “I am excited to be part of this extraordinary team, giving the gift of sight to so many,” said Dr. Allen Zieker. “Providing cataract surgery to these patients will allow many to resume productive roles in their communities. I am grateful to take part in such a helpful, international humanitarian effort.”

According to the World Health Organization, cataracts are the cause of 33% of the world’s visual impairment. Since 1974, SEE International has facilitated more than 400,000 surgeries in developing countries. In 2012, SEE International surgeons visited 33 countries and facilitated 10,208 surgeries.

About Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region

Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region has over 40 years of experience delivering, full-service eye care to the Capital Region.  With practices in Albany, Clifton Park, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Schodack and Troy, New York, they provide the latest in diagnostic technology, treatment protocols and minimally invasive surgery, if appropriate for conditions such as, cataracts, dry eye syndrome, , glaucoma, diabetic eye diseases, macular degeneration and neuro ophthalmology.