Continuing their 14 year long tradition, the 107th free clinic organized by Tzu Chi's Philippines' chapter was recently held. This time, the clinic focused on cataract surgeries; in the treatment process, Tzu Chi-Philippines pulled 69 people out from darkness, returning to them a world of full color. For some of the TIMA doctors, the scene provoked a powerful sense of rebirth, and renewal.
慈濟菲律賓分會延續14年來的傳統、舉辦第107次義診活動,這次義診以動白內障手術為主,讓69位病患脫離黑暗、再次擁抱彩色的世界。人醫會醫師看到這一幕,感受到重生的喜悅。
< Ensuring the best for those they serve >
In order to ensure the quality of the treatment, every patient at this free clinic must first undergo careful scrutiny by both heart and anesthesia specialists. Electrocardiograms for heart health, x-rays for lungs, blood pressure, blood sugar, and other factors are all verified before the go-ahead is given for surgery.
On the day of the clinic, the patients' moods are not easy to describe; the desire for renewed sight struggles against fear about the medical procedure. Wearing a pink sweater, this 69-year-old grandmother was escorted into the clinic with volunteers at her arm. Her right eye suffers from glaucoma, and her left eye has cataracts. For all intents, she is now blind; her hope is that she may once again see her family.
Cataract patient, Iluminada:
"I miss seeing my grandson, my husband, my children."
Her wish will soon be made true; and as this woman gets up from the operating table, to see her husband for the first time in years, her joy moves all who are within earshot.
"Thank you, all of you. I can see!"
Another important moment in this woman's blossoming joy arrives soon, when she can at last see her grandson. As constant as ever, her husband is tenderly at her side.
< Moving scenes of renewal >
This mother-daughter pair represent another touching story; Feliza has eight children, but only Ely is here today, looking to her medical needs. Knowing her mother's sight will be returned, she is overcome by joy.
Patient's relative, Ely Cristobal:
"I am so happy, because before, mother's life was hard. It was hard for her to find things, because her eyes were almost totally blind."
< The universal love that transcends >
Leading her mother by the hand, Ely happily turns toward home. The two depend upon one another, and the love between them leaves every witness feeling fortunate. As the clinic wound down, 69 people received sight-restoring, life-restoring surgeries. In thanks, one patient brought papayas for the volunteers; though the fruit is the means by which the family earns its living, at this moment, rewarding their benefactors' kindness is more important.