Philippines

GIFT OF SIGHT

In September 2009, HealthCare Outreach accepted a request to work with the Cagayan Valley Adventist Hospital, which is located in the northern Philippines, about 300km from Manila.

Through two feasibility and reconnaissance visits to the Hospital, HealthCare Outreach has established a new initiative called the Gift of Sight program. The new venture combines our existing international experience with medical specialist in ophthalmology (eye surgery) to reduce the prevalence of avoidable blindness.

This particular area of the Philippines is roughly one-third the size of the state of Tasmania, yet is home to approximately 140,000 Filipinos suffering from avoidable blindness.

This project will aim to provide surgery for to up 200 patients who are financially unable to afford it, and give them the opportunity to have their vision restored through cataract removal surgery. This surgery has been identified as one of the most cost-effective public health interventions that can be carried out.

Through the volunteer team, a significant amount of capital equipment for the project has already been sourced, and will be sent to the Philippines shortly. Consumable medical supplies for each case must still be purchased and the current budget estimates that $50,000 is required. Equipment will remain in the Philippines leaving a lasting legacy that, in time, will give the Cagayan Valley Adventist Hospital the ability to undertake ophthalmic services for community members who are unable to afford it.

The project is completely dependent on funding.

To support this work, please visit our HealthCare Outreach Donations page.