“To save the world, we must begin by transforming human hearts.”

These words by Dharma Master Cheng Yen perfectly capture the deep purpose of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines Inc., which is based on an idea that genuine compassion goes beyond simple sympathy. It is about taking action, changing people’s lives, and giving them hope.

Master Cheng Yen, often called the “Mother Teresa of Asia,” has dedicated her life to this philosophy. 

Instead of just giving away money, she aimed to cultivate kindness in everyone, turning compassion into a habit rather than a lonely deed. This served as the inspiration for Tzu Chi, an organization that has grown to be a lighthouse for people in need, particularly those whose vision is truly fading.

A different beginning in the Philippines

While many Tzu Chi branches around the world began with disaster relief efforts, the Philippines took a unique path. 

“In the Tzu Chi world, relief work is always the first step. But here, we started with medicine,” shared Alfredo Li, Chief Executive Officer of Tzu Chi Philippines, in an interview with DAILY TRIBUNE.

Along with Dr. Susan Irene Lapid-Lim, Deputy Medical Director, and Dr. Edith Navarro, Medical Director of the Tzu Chi Eye Center, Li recalled that the foundation’s national journey started at East Avenue Medical Center, where volunteers came every Tuesday and Friday to help those who couldn’t afford medication. 

With the help of volunteers and doctors, this modest endeavor quickly expanded into a comprehensive medical mission that offered general medicine, pediatrics, dental care, cataract procedures and other medical treatments to save sight and inspire lives.

In just three days, they were able to serve 5,000 to 6,000 people. But Master Cheng Yen envisioned something greater—a permanent medical center where patients wouldn’t have to wait for the next mission.

Master Cheng Yen recognized potential in Dr. Antonio Say, the chief medical officer of Cardinal Santos Medical Center and president of TCMFP, and his group of committed eye experts seventeen years ago.

“You must build a medical eye center in Manila,” she told them. “So that people don’t have to wait for you to come to them. Let them come to you.”

This idea resulted in the creation of the Tzu Chi Eye Center, an innovative facility with the newest optical technology that provides free eye care and life-changing surgeries to individuals who cannot afford them.

In order to help others, Master Cheng Yen insisted on tapping into the best doctors, the best operating rooms, the best medicine, and the best equipment. 

At first, Dr. Li thought their mission was limited to cataracts and basic eye problems. But as they delved deeper, they discovered the immense challenges faced by their patients—glaucoma, retinal detachment, corneal transplants, eye cancer, and even children born with cataracts.

When the team worried about sustaining such an ambitious vision, she reassured them:

“If you are sincere, people will support you. And if you ever run short, I will help you. Just do it.”

And she was right.

Through the years, the center has sustained itself through a combination of PhilHealth reimbursements (covering 65 percent of expenses) and donations (covering 35 percent). 

Many individuals, touched by the foundation’s work, have contributed voluntarily. Some patients, after regaining their sight, expressed their gratitude by giving back—one coin at a time.

“We give them a coin can,” Li explained. “We tell them, just save one peso a day. When you drop a single coin into the ocean of kindness, it will never disappear—it becomes part of something bigger.”

By collecting donations from people, Tzu Chi was nurturing seeds of kindness in each donor. This kindness, not the donation, was Master Cheng Yen true mission.

Restoring vision, restoring lives

Tzu Chi’s goal is to spread the spirit of selfless great love around the world. Like a seed that produces more seeds, compassionate actions inspire more love, leading to a more peaceful and harmonious society.

In 2023 alone, the Tzu Chi Eye Center made an impact, providing treatment to 20,233 patients and performing 2,941 eye surgeries. Beyond surgical care, the center distributed 14,708 bottles of eye drop medication, supplied 392 pairs of prescription eyeglasses, and conducted 375 diagnostic procedures, ensuring that those in need received comprehensive eye care.

To reach more people beyond the center, Tzu Chi oversaw 11 medical outreach initiatives that provided 2,578 additional people in underprivileged areas with free eye care. The foundation’s steadfast dedication to saving lives and restoring vision is reflected in these initiatives.

Moreover since 2007, the Tzu Chi Eye Center has served 137,905 patients and performed 15,677 surgeries, giving thousands not just the ability to see, but the dignity and freedom that come with it.

Even those often forgotten by society—Persons Deprived of Liberty—have benefited from Tzu Chi’s mission, proving that compassion has no limits and kindness knows no boundaries.

Jing Si Aphorism by Dharma Master Cheng Yen echoes in every life restored at the Tzu Chi Eye Center.

“Acts of generosity may seem like we are helping others, but in reality, we are the true beneficiaries.”

Because in giving sight, we do not just help people see the world—we help them see hope.