Access to specialized eyecare is extremely limited for patients in rural communities around the world, including the Philippines. Distance to hospitals, cost, limited medical resources, and other barriers can prevent people from seeking the treatment they need.
Our international programs work to address these gaps and directly reduce the number of people suffering from treatable blindness. In collaboration with our local partners in the Philippines, we recently provided vision care to patients in Narra, Palawan, giving patients access to screenings, sight-restoring surgeries, medication, and follow-up care.
Long time SEE partner and host ophthalmologist Dr. Federico Malubay worked tirelessly with his team to restore sight to more than 100 patients over the course of a few days. Below are some of the patients who received care during this program.
A Surprise Cataract Removal
At 75, Florentina Gapo Meneses, a retired teacher from Aramayuan, Narra, did not realize that her vision was deteriorating. But she came in for a screening anyway, since a free eye exam close to home was a rare opportunity.
To her surprise, the screening found cataracts developing in both eyes, which would have greatly impaired her vision if left untreated. Florentina was subsequently scheduled for free cataract-removal surgery:
“I thought I was just getting screened, nothing more…but then they said [two cataracts] needed to be operated on, removed.”
After her procedure, Florentina mentioned that she was especially grateful for the thorough follow-up care she received. Not only was she given medication at no cost, but she was instructed on how to use it, as well as how to care for her eyes moving forward:
“They really explained well to me what to do. Free medication was given, and everything was provided before I left,” said Florentina.
Bringing care directly to remote communities is central to our work, as even a simple screening can be a person’s only chance to catch a problem early. And each patient we reach at that stage is one less person who has to experience the loss of their sight.
A Long-Awaited Surgery
Unlike Florentina, 76-year-old Rene Lucero had been noticing the loss of his vision for over a year.
After seeing a doctor in Puerto Princesa, Rene was told that cataracts were beginning to develop, and he was advised to have surgery. So when he learned about the clinic in Narra, he acted quickly:
“I read about it on Facebook…I came right away,” Rene said.
At home, Rene enjoys caring for his flowers, looking after local children, and staying active in his community farmer’s organization, all of which would become difficult without his sight. He was therefore very glad to have his cataracts removed before they worsened:
“I am very happy because they have been removed already,” he said.
Rene described his experience at the clinic and with the medical team as both welcoming and accommodating.
“They are very delightful,” he said. “Thank you to all of you because this is a big help.”
A Personal Reason to Seek Care
Josephine Tejada, a registered nurse and former president of the Rotary Club of Narra Central, also received a free cataract surgery during this program. Her decision to seek treatment was influenced by her mother’s experience with cataracts.
“My mother also had cataracts. We did not attend to it, we did not notice it. And so she went blind, totally blind. By the time we saw a doctor, they told me there was no chance for her eyesight,” said Josephine.
Seeing her mother lose her vision left Josephine worried about facing the same outcome.
“That is why I had to undergo the surgery. And this is free” she said.
Following her operation, Josephine noticed an improvement in her vision, and now often goes without wearing her glasses.
The Doctors Behind the Work
Host ophthalmologist Dr. Federico Malubay has spent decades providing humanitarian medical care all around the Philippines. Before entering private practice, he spent 22 years as a Palace Medical Officer, coordinating medical and surgical outreach programs in communities across the country.
“Transportation, accommodation, food, all are challenges to access,” Dr. Malubay explained. “Very, very important are the partnerships, so you can create a system and make your trip successful for the community.”
For more than eight years, Dr. Malubay has partnered with SEE International to bring essential eyecare services to underserved communities in the Philippines.
“In partnership with SEE International, we go in one focused direction: the global elimination of preventable blindness. We are bringing hope, a new vision, and a new life for each and every family [we treat]” Dr. Malubay said.
Medical professionals like Dr. Malubay have dedicated their careers to making a real difference in the world. We are grateful to him, his team, and our partners in Narra for making this clinic—and our work—possible.
