18 / matters magazine / summer 2018 place for procur- ing and packing their many supplies – enough for 100 cataract surgeries. Spier explains, “When you get to the island, that’s the fun part. You’ve got all your supplies. You operate. Get- ting ready is a ton of leg work. It’s not fun. Customs can also be a problem.” Connolly can attest to that. She’s the one who receives the donations from the many pharma- ceutical companies (Alcon is the lead- ing donor) and has to figure out how to pack them so they can take them on the plane. They’ve found out the hard way that shipping ahead of time is unpredictable The ultimate packing challenge came when Spier got a YAG laser do- nated by the owner of Metro Oph- thalmics, Charlie Beyer, who repairs ophthalmic equipment. Together they took it apart so it could fit in one suit- case. Spier used a series of videos that Beyer made to assist in reassembling it when he arrived at the clinic. It took a couple of days and a trip to the hard- ware store for some jerry rigging, but it worked and restored the sight to a 13-year-old boy. Reflecting on his experience at the clinic, Spier says, “With cataract sur- gery the results are very dramatic. You literally take a person who is blind one day and the next day they can see. They’re elated. You never get tired of that. So, it’s very gratifying and fun.” Regarding his patients, he adds, “Gre- nadian people are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. So down to earth. Incredibly stoic. They’re very ap- Spier disassembled and hand-carried this laser to Grenada, where he reassembled it and got it working. Spier preps a patient for cataract surgery. 74 First Street, South Orange townhalldeli.com 973 762-4900 309 Irvington Ave., South Orange morgansliquors.com 973-821-5773 Your Destination for ALL your Party Needs From delicious food, to kegs and custom-ordered wines, Town Hall Deli and Morgan's Liquors have you covered. • Serving Deli Favorites for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner • Full Service Catering • Sandwiches • Wraps • Birthplace of the Sloppy Joe • 3 and 6-foot Subs • Platters • Salads • Carved Turkey • Roast Beef • Homemade Daily Soup Specials • Cheese Cake • Brownies • Cookies • Beer • Wine • Liquor • Kegs • Competitive Prices • Case Discounts Family-owned & operated • Open 7 days a week