After the success of the free clinic in the last week of January, Tzu Chi volunteers and the Burmese NGO Miaodaw Hospital worked together again to serve more needy patients. From February 13th, a five-day clinic was held for cataract sufferers, who could otherwise not afford surgery.
< A warm atmosphere welcomes patients >
Before the free clinic kicks off, Burmese volunteers are already at Miaodaw Hospital, making tea and desserts and practicing sign language songs to create a warm and homely atmosphere for the patients. In cooperation with Tzu Chi, Miaodaw Hospital is holding a five-day free clinic to give low-income cataract patients the chance to see again. Local volunteers dressed in brown vests lead waiting patients in simple exercises to help them relax. As for the patients' accompanying family members, volunteers keep them busy with sign language songs.
< Continuing the love >
This old lady is Daw Than Nu, who received cataract surgery at the end of January. She is here not for a checkup, but to take a coin bank home to start her own charity work.
Cataract patient, Daw Than Nu:
"I am grateful so I want to see the volunteers. All I can think about is how kind they have been and the help they've provided. I can't think of anything else right now. I'm here to collect a coin bank because I want to donate, too."
< An "eye-opening" experience >
Daw Than Nu's case proves that acts of charity can be a catalyst for change. On the first day of the clinic, 64 patients had their eyes treated. In the next few days, volunteers will happily give of themselves to make a difference in other people's lives.