This Saturday (Nov. 26), Sandra Aguinaldo enters the world of cornea transplant with “Sa Mata ni Joel” --the last installment to the month-long 23rd anniversary specials of I-Witness.

Our eyes are considered one of the most important parts of the body because apart from being able to see the world, we can also see the appearance and emotions of our loved ones, such as the expression of their happiness and love.

But how does it feel to be living in darkness?

This is the life of Tatay Joel in Dumaguete City who has an artificial right eye while his left eye is afflicted with glaucoma. He is in his 70s and lives together with his wife. He may be old but will not let the rest of his life go to waste. He says he wanted to care for his wife and blind sister.

In order not to be completely blind, he needed a cornea transplant. Joel has no means for an operation, but fortunately, he found someone he can turn to and is willing to help him. That is Dr. Minguita Padilla of the Eye Bank Foundation, a top-notch eye doctor in the country.

However, Tatay Joel had to wait in line because cornea can only be harvested from the dead. Donations have trickled down considerably since the pandemic because cadavers are cremated immediately.

Will Tatay Joel be able to see again?

“The documentary opened my eyes to the fact that many Filipinos need cornea transplant but there are not enough people who are willing to donate,” shares Sandra. “I believe there's a need to launch a campaign to spread awareness among Filipinos that they can donate their organs when they die so they can help others either live or lead better lives.”

Catch "Sa Mata ni Joel" this Saturday on I-Witness, Nov. 26, 2022, at 10:30 pm on GMA.