One of the Jing Si aphorisms or short inspirational sayings created by Dharma Master Cheng Yen, the Taiwanese Buddhist nun who founded the global humanitarian and relief organization Tzu Chi Foundation, is “When the unfortunate cannot find help, those who are blessed must go to them.” So it’s not surprising that Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines, which runs the Tzu Chi Eye Center (TCEC), also conduct medical missions in the province and abroad to treat people with cataract and other eye conditions.

While the medical missions of TCEC volunteer doctors have restored the visions of cataract patients, their assistance means more than seeing clearly again.

TCEC volunteer optometrist Dr. Adriene Lim led an eight-man medical mission inside the Bohol District Jail (BDJ) in Tagbilaran City on 24 January. For the 540 male and female persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and jail guards who received refraction tests, eye drop medicines and reading glasses, it meant providing for the family, spiritual peace and joyful reunion.

PDL Allan paints and sells his art works to support his wife and child while in prison. The pair of reading glasses given him to fix his poor vision meant sustaining his family.

PDL Theo, 48, finds comfort in the Bible and the glasses he received from Tzu Chi brought him spiritual peace.

“Our faith matters to us even more while we are here,” a thankful Theo said. “It helps keep our thoughts positive and teaches us to learn from our mistakes.”

For Jail Superintendent Thomas Diaz Jr., the Tzu Chi medical mission offers hope for reintegration of the PDLs into society. 

Retired optometrist Dr. Siu Yu Lam said the opportunity to volunteer with Tzu Chi, alongside her dear friend Dr. Lim, gives her self-satisfaction.

“That I can do something for my community makes me happy because it gives my life value,” she said.

One of the mission’s volunteers was 22-year-old Raine, whose father happened to be a PDL at the BDJ. The two have not seen each other for two years due to Raine’s financial constraints.

While checking her father Fermin’s health, he embraced her and the weight of their long separation made them cry.

The touching reunion was made possible by Tzu Chi, which has been supporting Raine the past three years.

“Beyond covering her tuition and miscellaneous fees for her Computer Engineering degree, the foundation provides a monthly allowance and rice provisions that kept her family and her dreams afloat,” according to TCMFP.

Fermin was given a pair of reading glasses, which not only meant to help him weave wallets from discarded coffee sachets, but also to cherish the moment of being with his daughter and talking to her. He is proud that Raine is now only one year away finishing college.

Raine is looking forward to finally being able to help her family.

While the mission meant saying farewell to each other again at the end of the outreach, it also meant a strong family ties that will endure separation and a chance to finally overcome poverty.