An acknowledgment: Dr. Selezinka works wonders for Ukraine's children (04/13/97)

An acknowledgment: Dr. Selezinka works wonders for Ukraine's children

by Ihor Rakowsky

I would like to share something interesting with readers of The Ukrainian Weekly, and at the same time introduce a very great man about whom, because of his shyness, we hear so rarely. This man is Dr. William Selezinka.

Dr. Selezinka was born in Ukraine. When he was 4 years old, he emigrated to Canada with his parents, where he spent his youth. He received his medical education at the University of Alberta.

Dr. Selezinka came to America in 1958 and worked as a general practitioner in Santa Barbara, Calif. In 1970-1973 he did his residency in ophthalmology at McGill University in Montreal and at the University of Michigan. As an ophthalmologist, he continued his work in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa, Ariz.

In 1986-1992 Dr. Selezinka was chairman of ophthalmology at the Virginia Medical Center in LaJolla, Calif., and clinical assistant professor of ophthalmology at University of California at San Diego. In 1992-1996 he was a clinical professor of ophthalmology at St. Louis University Anheuser-Busch Eye Institute.

He became very popular as an ophthalmologist and has received many awards for his work. In 1995 he was named professor emeritus of ophthalmology by St. Louis University. He is well known from his lectures in ophthalmology in universities across America, in such cities as Washington, Phoenix, New York, Las Vegas, Chicago and Albuquerque, N.M.

He didn't forget about Canada, and has lectured in Winnipeg, Toronto and Saskatoon. He also has lectured internationally, in Munich, Germany, at the Ukrainian Free University, in Vienna, Austria, and in Sydney, Australia.

Although he left Ukraine when he was 4 years old, Dr. Selezinka's homeland remained in his heart. When he tried to return in 1989, the Soviet Union refused to give him a visa. When Ukraine became independent Dr. Selezinka was one of the first people who rushed to help rescue a medical system that was poor and lacking in medical supplies.

In August 1992 he went for the first time to Ivano-Frankivsk. He returned again in June 1993, March 1994 and May 1996, bringing with him groups of colleagues from America to help operate on sick eyes.

Because of his excellent reputation in America, and with help from the Ukrainian American Veterans Association of New York, he has been able to collect medical supplies and equipment valued at over $1 million for the Ivano-Frankivsk Medical Academy and the City Eye Clinic. Word about Dr. Selezinka spread quickly in Ukraine, and now many people wait for his return to Ivano-Frankivsk. But his work isn't limited to trips to Ukraine.

Dr. Selezinka focuses much of his attention on the future of this young country through his work with Ukrainian children. In 1993 he brought 3-year-old Slavko from Ivano-Frankivsk to America for cornea transplant surgery. This child, who was almost totally blind, now can play, read, go to school, study music and ride a bicycle.

Natalia from Ternopil had her vision improved from 20/100 to 20/20 after being brought to America for surgery. Michailyk from Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast doesn't cover his eye with a bandage any more to hide a terrible tumor.

In 1994, 13-year-old composer, poet and writer Yaroslav came to America with vision of only 20/200. Thanks to telescopic lenses, his vision became 20/50, 20/40. In St. Louis, Yaroslav saw his mother's face clearly for the first time. Thanks to Dr. Selezinka and financial help from people and sponsors, like the Orphans Aid Society of New York, Yaroslav now writes his music by himself, and writes articles for publication in magazines and newspapers.

This past year, with help again from the Orphans Aid Society of New York, Dr. Selezinka helped four sisters from the Kolomyia Region who had eight successful surgeries at UCSD return to Ukraine with healthy, smiling eyes.

Now Dr. Selezinka is retired, and he can devote all his energy and strength to organizing the next trip to Ukraine. In May Dr. Selezinka and 14 medical colleagues are again planning to go to Ivano-Frankivsk, where many people are waiting for them.

All of the medical people give their knowledge, strength and time freely. That is why I ask Ukrainian Americans to financially help this man who puts so much effort and work into improving of the health of our native land.

Please send your tax-deductible (IRS# 95-4252938) donations to: California Association to Aid Ukraine Eye Project, 4315 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90029.

I would like to wish Dr. Selezinka good health and much success in his work. May God hold him in the palm of His hands and grant him His protection for many years.

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