Cataracts are the gradual clouding of the eye, leading to blurred and foggy vision. They eventually progress into blindness if left untreated; and, in poorer, remote communities, it becomes a slow imperceptible sentence, robbing its victims of their autonomy and dignity.
International Care Ministries (ICM) encountered this crisis in one of their screening campaigns in the region.
As a Christian non-profit organization focused on poverty alleviation, ICM serves the ultra poor, partnering with local groups and government units in order to realize diverse social upliftment programs.
The Transform Program is a 15-week intervention service that provides Values, Health and Livelihood (VHL) training for the country’s ultra poor — a designation for indigent families who live below the $0.50/day subsistence level. Upon completion, a graduation ceremony is held, along with the establishment of savings groups and other hopeful beginnings for community sustenance, such as small businesses and alternative economic opportunities.
The VHL curriculum incorporates health education, and pursuing ICM’s vision often involves specialized support to participants who are unable to resolve medical concerns independently. The Medical Case Program helps alleviate this burden by enlisting the aid of local governments, churches and NGOs in the provision of essential medical services and financial assistance, carrying out medical missions to support their recovery and well-being.
“We have seen families who can’t get a proper diagnosis because even transport fare is hard to come by," says MCP Senior Manager Nurse Jessica Duerme. “For patients who need surgery, the insurmountable cost is simply unaffordable.”
Last year, the communities covered by ICM were gathered to be screened for cataract and pterygium cases. This was a collaborative effort between Calamba Eye Medical Center, headed by Dr. Jose Enrico Juliano, Dr. Edmund Pasimio and the Edgar Pasimio Memorial Clinic (EPMC), and Foundation University, represented by President Victor Vicente “Dean” Sinco and University Liaison Officer for External Affairs Girlie Bernardez.
Evaluation revealed 70 cataract cases in Dumaguete, but challenges with the initial group of ophthalmologists prevented them from moving forward with a free cataract operation. Surgeries had to be delayed, eventually being carried only in January 20 to 22, four months after the initial screening.
Nurse Jessica Duerme connected with (which club, Dumaguete?) Lion’s Club through Dr. Cherry Meneses in order to facilitate the operation. According to Dr. Ellaine Joseph, “Providing cataract surgeries for a minimal fee is one of Lion’s Club’s flagship programs. We were able to connect with the local government of Negros Oriental through Bayawan Mayor John T. Raymond Jr., who partly sponsored some of the medical expenses. All operations were done in Bayawan District Hospital for free. The Mayor provided for a portion of the cost of surgery, and food for the medical staff. The operation was performed on January 20 to 22, 2025 including Bayawan residents and the 70 cataract cases that are from Dumaguete last year. In Bayawan, 173 out of the 200 target cataract surgeries were completed.”
“The result is amazing!” Nurse Jessica Duerme remarks, “There were patients with completely obscured visibility. A few have begun developing 20/20 eyesight, and some even completely recovered. There are cataracts that are not yet mature for surgery, so we couldn’t do anything for them yet. Hopefully this becomes a regular thing, but it really depends on our partners.”
Today, January 23, successful surgical patients from Dumaguete City were recalled to the EPMC for a postoperative, follow-up checkup. Dr. Edmund Pasimio provided the facility and meals for the medical staff, while Foundation University offered logistics and other resources, ensuring that the checkup ran smoothly.
The second post-op checkup is on February 28, 2025.
ICM adds that its organization is open for internships and volunteer opportunities for students who are committed, and have the passion to make a difference for impoverished communities.