Tzu Chi gives glaucoma patients fighting chance

World Glaucoma Week was observed this year on 9 to 15 March. It aims to raise awareness on glaucoma or optic nerve damage that can lead to irreversible blindness.

Humanitarian organization Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines observed the event by holding a lay lecture on glaucoma at its Tzu Chi Eye Center (TCEC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila on 13 March.

TCEC volunteer glaucoma specialists Dr. Maria Catherina Coronel-Nasol and Dr. Cathleen Joyce Villafuerte lectured on the condition, telling almost 100 listeners, including eye patients, that early detection of the condition and regular eye checkup are important to manage it.

Glaucoma treatment and management is costly so TCEC helps those who can barely afford the needed expensive eye drops, regular checkups, diagnostic tests and surgery.

One of Nasol’s patients, Maria Evangelio, a sari-sari store owner in Oriental Mindoro, was diagnosed with glaucoma a year ago and needed to undergo surgery to implant a glaucoma drainage device that will ease the pressure on her optic nerve. The procedure cost P100,000 which Evangelio did not have.

Nasol referred her to the TCEC and successfully operated on Evangelio herself on 6 March with donor money covering the cost.

“I am so thankful. I felt better now. I could never have afforded the surgery. I would probably have just waited at home until blindness come for me,” Evangelio said, according to a post on TCEC’s Facebook page.

“We are very fortunate here in Tzu Chi. All that our patients has to do is to follow the regimen and come here for treatment,” said Nasol, who started volunteering at the TCEC 12 years ago, according to the foundation.

The humanitarian efforts of Tzu Chi has inspired pharmaceutical company Santen Philippines to also help by providing discounted eye care products to TCEC. After the glaucoma lecture, the company donated snacks and eye drop medicines for patients.

“Each day, the TCEC volunteers are helping almost a hundred patients and it’s all for charity! Glaucoma treatment is challenging for the patients because it lasts for a lifetime. I think companies should also contribute,” Santen sales agent Zoey Velasquez, who facilitated the donations, said.

The collective effort of Tzu Chi eye doctors and donors has been giving thousands of glaucoma patients from low-income families a fighting chance against this sight-threatening condition.

Meanwhile, the foundation will host a free seminar on epilepsy care and Parkinson’s disease by leading experts from the Cardinal Santos Medical Center on 22 March 2025 at the TCEC. Interested attendees can register at bit.ly/btcmfepilepsyparkinsons.