CATARMAN, Northern Samar — About 100 residents identified with cataracts undergo free eye surgery as part of a four-day medical mission aimed at bringing specialized eye care closer to communities in Northern Samar.
The eye surgical mission, spearheaded by the Northern Samar provincial government, was held at the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital (NSPH), following a visual screening conducted Sept. 1 at the Capitol Gym in Catarman.
Lennette Lapara, Provincial Health Office Inclusive Eye Health Program coordinator, said around 200 residents underwent visual acuity tests and screening for various eye problems on the first day of the activity.
Of those screened, about 100 cataract patients were identified for free surgical procedures at the NSPH. Other participants were provided with prescription eyeglasses based on the results of their eye examinations.
The initiative is a joint undertaking of the Bobon-Catarman-Lope de Vega (BobCat LoVe) Inter-local Health Zone and the provincial government through the Provincial Health Office and NSPH.
It is also supported by CBM Global, Eye Hear Foundation, Resources for the Blind Inc., the National Committee on Sight Preservation through its iStrength Project, and the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC).
During a courtesy visit by the partner groups to the provincial government, Vice Gov. Clarence Dato, representing Gov. Harris Ongchuan, expressed appreciation to the organizations and medical teams involved in the mission.
Among those recognized were the EVMC Ophthalmology team led by Medical Center Chief Dr. Joseph Michael Jaro, Resources for the Blind Executive Director Amelia Torrente, local optometrist Dr. Jennifer Ladeño-Dante, and other members of the participating organizations.
The provincial government said the initiative seeks to improve access to eye care services for Nortehanons, particularly those who may have difficulty obtaining specialized eye treatment.
The mission provides a range of services, from eye screening and diagnosis to treatment and surgery, allowing residents to receive essential eye care without having to travel outside the province.
(EUGENE M. ENANO)
