The San Juan City local government, together with the Tzu Chi Medical Foundation-Philippines and Chinese General Hospital, will hold free eye procedures and consultations for indigent residents of the city as part of their advocacy in improving the healthcare services being received by San Juaneños.
(Photo from Tzu Chi Medical Foundation-Philippines)
According to San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, 300 slots will be available to the public on a first come, first served basis. Interested individuals may register at the Mayor's Office.
The program will offer free cataract, pterygium, squint, retina, glaucoma, orbit, oculoplasty, and eye mass/bukol.
Zamora had earlier visited the Tzu Chi Eye Center where its medical team, together with Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center President and CEO Kelly Sia and Medical Director Dr. Samuel Ang, gave him a tour of the facility. He was also invited to witness an actual cataract surgery inside the facility's state-of-the-art operating rooms.
“The best part was when the procedure was over and we saw the reaction of the patient after her vision was restored immediately — in the span of just about ten to fifteen minutes,” Zamora said after the tour.
“It is very important for all of us to see life, to see the world, our loved ones, and our family so this program of the Tzu Chi Foundation is really helping a lot of people. Thank you, Master Cheng Yen, for your support! Thank you for your love for the Philippines. Thank you for your love for the people of San Juan," he added.
According to the city government, the foundation and the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center spearheaded a project to provide eye consultations and surgical services to low-income patients in the city.
The San Juan local government unit (LGU) served as the bridge in providing assistance in terms of processing the requirements as well as the patients’ laboratory needs for their medical clearance. As of Sept. 16, the project has already helped 19 San Juan residents undergo successful eye surgery.
During his visit, Zamora hanged a red envelope containing money on the Christmas tree erected at the lobby of the facility adorned with other red envelopes that contained monetary donations from patients. The envelope signifies that the mayor is now part of the stream of love that will give hope to more people in need.