Tzu Chi Eye Center accommodates 537 new patients

To address the growing list of new patients requesting for consultation, Tzu Chi Eye Center launched a quarterly screening program. On March 20, a total of 537 new patients from all over the country came for a checkup despite the ongoing transport strike. Half of these numbers are in need of surgery.

A long queue of patients formed outside the Tzu Chi Eye Center building as dawn arrives on March 20, 2026. [Photo by Jamaica Mae Digo]

WRITTEN BY MARITHEL VALIENTE

Tzu Chi Eye Center, on March 20, took advantage of the holiday to open its doors to new patients in need of consultation. A total of 537 individuals from all over the country showed up despite the ongoing transport strike, forming a long queue outside the Eye Center before sunrise. Of this number, 260 required surgeries. Cataract accounted for the highest number of cases, with 240.

These patients have been waiting for consultation appointments since late December 2025 through early February 2026. Because Tzu Chi Eye Center serves hundreds of new and returning patients daily — alongside a full schedule of surgeries and specialized clinics — the consultation list continues to grow. To ensure everyone receives timely care, the Eye Center launched a quarterly screening program last year, dedicated to streamlining the process for new patients and reducing wait times.

Patients wait in line as early as 3:00 a.m. to register their names for consultation. [Photo by Jamaica Mae Digo]

This approach benefits elderly patients who rely on their working children for assistance, as well as families who struggle to balance work and school commitments, by providing a more accessible and convenient chance for consultation.

“If it is a holiday, there is no work, there is no school for the children, it is actually advantageous to the family because the adult working members of their family, don’t need to take leave from their work, the children who are students don’t need to be absent from school,” said Tzu Chi Eye Center Deputy Medical Director Dr. Susan Lim.

Ten volunteer ophthalmologists were mobilized for the event. Arriving as early as 6 o’clock, they worked together in full force to accommodate patients. By afternoon, they successfully served every single one.

The 124th Philippine Air Force Affiliate Reserve Unit was also present to support the activity. Technical Sergeant Walter Oruga said, “We are supporting this activity to serve the community. We are happy and honored to volunteer, offering our help to Tzu Chi anytime, anywhere!”

Tzu Chi Eye Center staff and volunteers attend to the registration of patients. [Photo by Jamaica Mae Digo]

Patients learn more about Tzu Chi through sharing of volunteers. They also learn the sign language for “Tzu” and “Chi”. [Photo by Jamaica Mae Digo]

Members of the 124th Philippine Air Force Affiliate Reserve Unit was present to assist patients during the activity. [Photo by Jamaica Mae Digo]

A patient enjoys taho. The patients’ snacks were provided by a generous donor who celebrated her birthday by donating snacks of misua with egg, as well as taho, for the patients. [Photo by Jamaica Mae Digo]

Patients enjoy the warm tub of misua donated by a birthday celebrant. The snack filled the patients’ stomachs while they wait for their consultation. [Photo by Marithel Valiente]

Tzu Chi volunteer doctors worked hand-in-hand to assess and address each patient’s eye condition. [Photo by Marithel Valiente]

Dr. Bernardita Navarro checked on Sta. Maria’s cataract on her left eye. [Photo by Marithel Valiente]

Sta. Maria Libertine, a 45-year-old cataract patient from Binondo, appreciated that her consultation at the Tzu Chi Eye Center took place on a holiday. Maria has been living with poor vision in both eyes for the past six years.

A logistics staff member, Maria relies on her step-sister for assistance, particularly when taking public transportation. However, her daily challenges continue on her way home, as she often has no choice but to take a taxi or motorcycle ride due to the absence of a companion. Booking a ride has become more manageable for her than commuting by jeepney, as it spares her from having to read route signages. At night, crossing the road has also become a challenge, as Maria can barely see oncoming vehicles and relies mainly on their headlights, raising concerns about her safety.

This has become part of her daily routine as she copes with poor vision while striving to make a living.

At work, her condition also poses significant challenges, making it difficult for her to complete her tasks.

“I have to keep the monitor very close just to see what I’m doing. Because of my condition, I often make mistakes,” Maria said.

Luckily, a friend who noticed that Maria was no longer able to recognize her suspected that she may be suffering from a severe eye condition. She then advised Maria to seek consultation at the Tzu Chi Eye Center in Sta. Mesa, Manila. Her friend also shared how Tzu Chi helped her restored her own visions.

Maria did not hesitate and immediately contacted the Eye Center to secure an appointment.

Eye Center Medical Director Dr. Bernardita Navarro who evaluated Maria’s condition, noted, “It’s not only reading that has become difficult for her — she also frequently trips when the ground is uneven. What we call depth perception makes it hard for her to distinguish between elevated and flat surfaces.”

Dr. Bernardita Navarro carefully explained to Sta. Maria her eye condition. [Photo by Marithel Valiente]

Dr. Navarro added that it has become increasingly difficult for Maria to see during the day, as her pupils constrict — especially with the cataract located at the center of her eye. She also emphasized the need for a follow-up examination to assess Maria’s overall condition, including her blood sugar levels, which can play a significant role in this type of eye disorder.

Maria is set to undergo a cataract procedure on her left eye; with the Eye Center committed to helping restore her vision.

“I am grateful that there is a foundation like this, especially for those of us who have limited means. It gives us hope — many of us are given a chance to have our vision restored,” Maria happily said.

“There are also many staff assisting us, which is very reassuring. It’s heartwarming to see how concerned they are for the patients — [doctors] are all kind, and you can truly feel their care and personal touch with the patients,” she added.

A Compassionate Heart Behind Her Own Struggle

The sun in the east had yet to rise, yet amid the darkness, hundreds of hopeful hearts were already lining up to witness its light.

A woman from Sampaloc, Manila, Dolores Gamban, was among them. Dolores Gamban was born with polio. She began showing symptoms as early as eleven months old, leaving her with difficulty walking. As she grew older, her condition not only affected her mobility but also shaped the course of her future.

Concerned for her safety, her parents made the painful decision to withdraw her from school. While her five siblings continued their education, Dolores stayed at home, able to finish only her primary schooling.

Yet, her circumstances did not stop her from learning. Determined to build her own future, Dolores turned to self-study — reading books and watching online tutorials to acquire knowledge and skills on her own.

As early as 4:00 in the morning, the queue outside the Eye Center was already very long. [Photo by Maria Rowena Lam]

Despite having no companion and struggling to walk, Dolores Gamban came to the Eye Center very early to have her eyes checked. [Photo by Marithel Valiente]

To support her mobility, Dolores holds her right leg for balance while walking. [Photo by Marithel Valiente]

At just 13 years old, she was forced to take on responsibilities far beyond her age. With her parents ill, Dolores stepped into the role of breadwinner. She took on various jobs, from working in a factory producing notebooks to ironing clothes in her neighbors’ homes on her spare time.

Despite never having the opportunity to pursue formal education, Dolores continued to learn through experience. She later taught herself manicure and pedicure services through tutorials and did not hesitate to turn these skills into a source of income.

Even after the passing of her parents, Dolores remained steadfast. Now unmarried at 68, she continues to support her family, especially her nieces and nephews — standing as their quiet pillar of strength.

“I did not get married because I took care of my nieces and nephews. I was also the one who took good care of my parents,” said Dolores Gamban, wiping her tears.

Now, Dolores faces another challenge — her vision is gradually declining. Dolores’ previous ophthalmologist had already advised her to undergo surgery, but financial constraints repeatedly held her back. As a single woman relying solely on a small pension, Dolores eventually stopped seeking treatment altogether.

“It took me a long time to have it checked here because I didn’t know about Tzu Chi before,” she lamented.

Dr. Daniel Jose Mendoza checked on Dolores’s eyes. [Photo by Marithel Valiente]

During the consultation on March 20, Dr. Daniel Jose Mendoza found that Dolores had cataract in her right eye.

Yet beyond the diagnosis, what troubled Dolores most is a painful memory — her mother, who passed away blind. The thought of suffering the same fate deeply frightened her.

“If God blesses me with a long life, I hope I won’t live in blindness. My mother died blind, it scared me,” Dolores said through tears.

When Dolores learned that Tzu Chi will help her cover the cataract operation, she tearfully said, “I am truly thankful. It is a great blessing for us to receive free consultations — to finally understand what is happening with our visions and to know the proper treatment we need. Thank you, Tzu Chi!”

Dolores is set to undergo a cataract procedure at the Tzu Chi Eye Center alongside other patients diagnosed with vision conditions requiring surgery.

Patient Dolores Gamban and Sta. Maria Libertine with a big smile following their checkup. [Photo by Marithel Valiente]

Unwavering Care

Amid the long line of patients waiting for their turn was a touching sight — a daughter gently assisting her 62-year-old father. Rather than letting him endure the long queue, Rose stepped in to take his place, ensuring he would not grow tired.

Bayani Casino has been battling his illness for more than three decades. Without continuous medication, he continues to suffer from asthma and liver disease. Bayani has been struggling to breathe, quietly enduring the challenges that come with his condition. Now, he faces another struggle — a declining vision.

After learning about the services of Tzu Chi Eye Center, Rose immediately registered her father for a consultation.

Bayani Casino, who received consultation, expressed his gratitude to Tzu Chi. “I am grateful to Tzu Chi for accepting me here for a check-up,” Bayani expressed.

Bayani, wearing his warm smile, happily enjoys his breakfast. [Photo by Jamaica Mae Digo]

Bayani (in wheelchair), together with his filial daughter, waits in line to register for consultation. [Photo by Marithel Valiente]

Dr. Daniel Jose Mendoza checks on Bayani’s vision. [Photo by Marithel Valiente]

Standing as his father’s support, Rose diligently assist Bayani throughout the consultation process. [Photo by Marithel Valiente]

Inspired to Give Back the Great Love

Catholic nun Rubeliza Vertucio from the Carmelite Missionaries Philippines accompanied a friend for a checkup during the March 20 event. She took the opportunity to volunteer by assisting and guiding patients on the proper disposal of paper cups and eating utensils. Bringing her friend for a consultation and volunteering to help is her way of giving back.

Sister Rubeliza was diagnosed with macular degeneration. To manage it, she needed a series of injections — each costing a significant amount.

Before discovering Tzu Chi, Sister Rubeliza had already sought medical care. However, the expensive private consultations made it difficult for her to continue the treatment.

“You know that feeling when the money you’re paying could have been used to help others or feed many people? It’s already a significant amount — I thought it could have gone to charity instead,” shared Sister Rubeliza.

When Sister Rubeliza learned from a friend about the Tzu Chi Eye Center’s services, she went to visit. The Eye Center helped provide the five series of injection she needed.

“Tzu Chi always give me hope — not just hope for today, but hope to look at life more positively. The way they have shown generosity to me inspires me to share that same kindness with others. It truly is inspiring — not just to me, but to many people as wells,” she shared.

Sister Rubeliza committed to doing more volunteer work once she is fully healed.

To express her heartfelt gratitude to Tzu Chi, Sister Rubeliza assists patients, staff, and volunteers in ensuring that environmental protection efforts are carried out at the Eye Center. [Photo by Marithel Valiente]

“Love is not something you demand from others, but give to others.” — Jing Si Aphorism

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