Elena Barraquer Compte facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elena Barraquer Compte
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| Born | May 30, 1954 |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Occupation | Eye surgeon |
| Known for | Eye surgery in Africa |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) | Joaquín Barraquer |
Elena Barraquer Compte, born on May 30, 1954, is a Spanish eye doctor. She is famous for her work helping people see better, especially through cataract surgery. Elena started the Elena Barraquer Fundación to organize trips to Africa. Her teams of doctors help people there who have cataracts. She has received important awards for her work, like the Medal of Honor of Barcelona in 2012.
Contents
Early Life and Family Legacy
Elena Barraquer was born in Barcelona, Spain, in 1954. She comes from a family of eye doctors. Her family has been involved in eye care for many generations. Elena is the fourth generation of eye surgeons in her family.
Following in Family Footsteps
Her father, Professor Joaquín Barraquer, was also a famous eye doctor. Her grandfather, Ignacio Barraquer, was known for new ways to do cataract surgery. Elena's great-grandfather, José Antonio Barraquer Roviralta, started the Ophthalmological Society of Barcelona in 1903. He was also the first professor of eye care in Spain. Elena's brother, Rafael Ignacio Barraquer Compte, is also an eye surgeon. Even though it was not expected for her to become an eye surgeon, Elena chose to follow her family's path.
Education and Early Career
Elena Barraquer studied surgery at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. She graduated in 1977. After that, she worked at the Vall Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona.
Learning Abroad
In 1978, Elena received a special scholarship. This allowed her to study at the National Eye Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, USA. While there, she made her first trip to Port au Prince in Haiti. She spent two years researching how to use special cells to help with eye problems. Later, from 1980 to 1983, she worked at the Wilmer Eye Institute in Baltimore.
Helping People See: The Elena Barraquer Fundación
Elena Barraquer has dedicated much of her life to helping people in Africa. She used to make many trips each year, sometimes up to twelve. On these trips, her teams perform eye surgeries, especially for cataracts.
Impact of the Foundation's Work
Cataracts can make people blind, but a simple surgery can fix it. These operations change lives. For example, a visit to Cape Verde involved hundreds of operations. The team brought about 500 kilograms of supplies. This work helps adults return to their jobs. It also allows children who were caring for blind family members to go back to school. The benefit of these operations is huge, helping many families and communities.
Continuing the Mission
Elena's brother, who was in charge of the family's charity, wanted to focus more on teaching and research. Elena felt it was important to continue the direct help. So, she started her own foundation, the Elena Barraquer Fundación. This foundation attracts young doctors who want to continue her important work in Africa. Elena and her brother still own The Barraquer Clinic together.
Awards and Recognition
Elena Barraquer has received several important awards for her work:
- In 2012, she was given the Medal of Honor of the City of Barcelona.
- In 2017, she received the Codespa Award in the Solidarity SME category.
- In 2018, she was honored with the Queen Sophia Spanish Institute award.
See also
In Spanish: Elena Barraquer Compte para niños
