The devastating earthquake of March 11—the biggest disaster of modern Japan—hit the northeastern part of the island nation; the subsequent tsunami struck and destroyed almost all coastal villages and cities, leaving more than 20 000 either dead or missing. The destruction was so severe that communication infrastructures and transportation systems were disabled, leading to challenges for rescue and recovery as well as lack of supplies and gasoline. Thousands of survivors were homeless and without immediate medical care.

As reported in Haiti, a quick rescue response is critical. However, in this case, eye care needs were considered minor given the magnitude of this disaster. Yet, many survivors lost their eyeglasses or medicines. A complete eye examination requires basic ophthalmic instruments, so a visit by an ophthalmologist with minimal instrumentation may not be effective. Thus, we sought to deliver urgent eye care with a mobile vision care facility.

The media in the United States had reported the use of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute’s Vision Van in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to aid in the treatment of visual casualties. This van is equipped with modern specialized eye instrumentation necessary for examinations. Arrangements were made to borrow the van, and the initial challenge of transporting the van was overcome through the offer from Volga-Dnepr Airlines for the use of the Anotov An-124—the world’s largest cargo airplane. This international assistance made it possible to transport the Vision Van from Miami to Sendai Airport, where it began rotating between Iwate and Miyagi prefectures, visiting evacuation centers in coastal cities on a weekly rotation. Volunteer ophthalmologists simply go to the care site and provide eye care to the evacuees in these remote areas. Additionally, care for chronic eye disorders such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration is necessary to preserve vision and prevent further vision loss. During the first 12 clinic days of the Vision Van’s rotation, 567 patients were seen, averaging 47 patients per day. Overall, the primary eye-related trouble for evacuees has been the loss of eyeglasses and treatment for pre-existing conditions.

The international collaboration involved in this ambitious endeavor was successful. Mobile vans are useful in such situations, and we would like to propose to world leaders that emergent medical systems be prepared as a precaution. Initially, the Mission Vision Van seemed impossible, but became Mission Possible through the efforts of many, and for that, we are most grateful.