Cataracts can affect young adults, though they are less common than in older age groups. It results from trauma, such as eye injuries, or underlying conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, uveitis (eye inflammation), or hypoparathyroidism. Prolonged steroid use, smoking and excessive UV exposure also raise risk, while genetics can play a role in some cases.

For Jenmel Arambulo of Marulas, Valenzuela, she inherited diabetes from her father resulting in the early onset of cataract in both her eyes. In 2019, the 15-year-old was almost blind and was forced to stop high school.

Jenmel had the opportunity to remove the cataract through surgery, but her parents could not afford the P20,000 cost of the operation. Jenmel’s father, 50-year-old warehouse laborer Jeny, was diagnosed with tuberculosis and was forced to take a sick leave to undergo treatment for six months. Her mother, Melanie, worked as a seasonal warehouse sorter at a logistics company to provide for the family.

Years passed and Jenmel’s high school classmates graduated and continued to college while she could not help her parents and was mostly confined at home doing simple chores. She accompanied her little brother when her parents were out.

In late 2025, when Jenmel was already 21, her mother searched online for eye care facilities that offer cataract surgeries and stumbled on the Tzu Chi Eye Center (TCEC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila. 

Run by the Buddhist humanitarian organization Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines, TCEC offers free cataract surgery done by volunteer doctors.

On 7 January 2026, Jeny took leave from work and took his daughter to TCEC for a consultation. There, the father and daughter were overjoyed upon learning that the surgery would be covered by the government’s health insurance and Tzu Chi’s generous donors. 

Jenmel took the required laboratory tests that cleared her for the surgery on 11 February. TCEC medical director, Dr. Bernardita Navarro, performed the long-awaited operation to remove the cataract in Jenmel’s right eye. The doctor sang while operating on Jenmel to ease her fears.

After the procedure, Jenmel opened her eyes and giggled like a child upon seeing the world once again, the Foundation reports.

“I feel very happy that my dream has finally come true. I have always wanted to see again,” said Jenmel, adding that she wants to continue her study when her eyes are fully healed. 

She also saw her father again and for the first time, her small brother who was born when she was already blinded by cataracts.

With tears of happiness flowing from his eyes, Jeny said, “I am very grateful to Tzu Chi. Had we not found you, we would not have been able to afford my daughter’s surgery.”

In gratitude, Jeny brought the Tzu Chi coin bank filled with his family’s donation and handed them over to the Eye Center, completing the cycle of love and kindness.

“Since one of our burdens has been eased, we wanted to give back so we could help Tzu Chi continue to help other patients in need,” Jeny said, according to the TCMFP.

TCEC will next operate on Jenmel’s left eye to fully restore her sight.