2024: Sep Eye Clinic- San Quintin 26-29
Optical Clinic in San Quintin, Baja Mexico
Sept 26-29, 2024
[Colorado volunteers: Sept 25-29, 2024]
TRIP OVERVIEW
This eye clinic is offered twice a year and is organized by Mission Flight and graciously hosted by Buen Pastor Medical Clinic located in San Quintin, MX. Dr. Jairo Rodriquez (primary office in Ensenada) is the chief surgeon while doctors and medical volunteers from all over Mexico and the U.S. join together to serve as one team. It’s a wonderful time of genuine partnership and deepening friendships. There is a close working partnership with CALO and Pastor Joel’s church (Pan De Vida) as well as other local community groups.
Both optometry and ophthalmology services are provided.
Typical Schedule:
Wed - Colorado and advanced set-up team arrives.
Thur - Optometry clinic opens while ophthalmology is set up.
Fri - Optometry and ophthalmology clinics open.
Sat - Last day of both clinics. Tear down.
Sun - Follow up with ophthalmology patients in the morning. Return home.
THE NEED
Mission Flight starts where driving becomes too dangerous or difficult or impossible.
We need:
- Licensed professionals of all optical disciplines.
- Optical med students.
- Prayer Team / Ministry Team / Craft Team
- Commercial / Instrument pilots.
Together we bring hope, help, and healing to those that are hardest to reach.
TRIP FEES
Serving the poor through free medical clinics is very expensive, especially when combined with aircraft operating costs. This calling, however, is extremely meaningful and rewarding. The trip fees do not cover the bulk of the clinic or aircraft operating costs and are thus subsidized by those who faithfully give and support this work. Thank you to those who give and partner with us behind the scenes!
The Trip Fees Include:
- Round-trip shared aircraft fuel costs for the flight to/from Southern California.
- Bottled drinking water
- Ground transportation
- A very small portion of the clinic supplies / medications / equipment maintenance
- Local translators and coordinators
- Dorm (if you select that option)
The Trip Fees Do Not Include:
- Visa Fee (for those who fly - It costs approximately $42 to enter and $12 to exit - bring cash and small bills)
- optional traveler's insurance
- hotel and meals
* Pilots In Mission Flight Aircraft
Your $250 trip fee covers your portion of the fuel costs and INCLUDES all dorm fees and breakfasts at the dorm, but does not include meals at a restaurant. You will also get to log your flight time! If you prefer the hotel, then you'll need to book that on your own.
Also, please be prepared to help with the "vehicle ministry" with gas and minor maintenance and to be utilized in a wide variety of capacities.
LOGISTICS
Flight Details From Los Angeles Area:
Check in at San Gabriel Valley Airport (KEMT - main lobby) at 9 am on Thursday.
Flight Details From The San Diego Area:
Check in at the San Diego area airport assigned to this trip at 9am on Thursday.
We will coordinate directly with you.
The flights are in small 4-19 seat airplanes and take about 2 hours total in the air from KEMT. Southbound the 2 hour flight time is divided into 2 segments: KEMT to Tijuana or Ensenada or Mexicali to clear customs, and then on to San Quintin.
Returning, the northbound flight is divided into 3 segments given the extra stop to clear U.S. customs in San Diego or Calexico.
Not from the So-Cal area? No problem!
Simply book your own flight into San Diego International (KSAN) to arrive no later than 9am on Thursday.
* Call us before you book your commercial flight into San Diego. We will coordinate directly with you.
Flight Details For Colorado volunteers:
We will coordinate directly with you. You will pay your pilot directly for your share of fuel/flight costs. Please pay the $96 trip fee.
** A current passport book is required for ALL who fly. **
Driving Option:
The drive takes 7-10 hours southbound from San Gabriel Valley (Los Angeles area), and 10-12 hours to return depending on border crossing delays, traffic, and the need to make an additional meal stop.
A current passport card or book is required if you drive. If you are interested in driving, either as a driver or as a passenger, please let us know ASAP, and your price will be reduced $259.00.
ACCOMMODATIONS: HOTEL OR DORM
The hotel: We typically stay at Hotel Villa, San Quintin which is about 3 miles from the main clinic. Volunteers book their own hotel room to keep costs to the absolute minimum (and keep things more simple and clear). We suggest making these reservations as soon as possible, since occasionally the hotel is completely booked. There are other hotels we use as “back ups”.
If you need assistance, just let us know with an email to [email protected].
The dorm: Many volunteers enjoy staying in the dorms, located at Pastor Joel’s. Men and women sleep in different rooms on bunk beds with separate hot showers and bathrooms.
The dorm rate is $25 per night per person.
HOLD YOUR SPOT TODAY!
A $50 Non-refundable deposit will hold your spot.
Exactly 4 weeks prior to the day of departure, final payment is due, but it is encouraged that you pay your $50 deposit.
If final payment is not received 4 weeks out, your spot will then become available to someone else on the waiting list.
It is our pleasure to organize these trips, so that together, we can bring hope, help and healing to those who need it the most. Thank you!
Any questions can be emailed to [email protected]
OTHER INFO:
Through generous donors, partial scholarships are available primarily for full-time students or families with kids, as funds are available.
Scholarship Application and Info
Sample Itinerary and Basic Code of Conduct
All trip fees and out of pocket costs are typically 100% tax deductible (consult your tax adviser).
Cancellation Policy:
If you must cancel a mission trip; you MUST email Mission Flight at [email protected] four (4) weeks PRIOR to the departure date and your payment will be refunded, less $50.00. If you give less notice than four (4) weeks, your payment will be returned only if your seat is filled, less $50.00. If you give less than a four week notice and if we can not find another person to fill your seat, then your payment will pay for your seat as intended.