The world of Tzu Chi Jan-Feb 2022 (Vol.139)

TZU CHI 139 35 Sie Sang visited a government hospital to seek treatment for his eye, but had to put it on hold as he could not afford the operation fee of RM750. Subsequently, he received assistance from Tzu Chi and the VISTA Eye Specialist (VISTA), where he underwent the surgery. He could not help containing his gratitude when he said repeatedly, “So happy. So happy. Thank you very much, VISTA!” Generally, the fee for a cataract surgery at private eye specialist centres is three to four times higher than that in government hospitals. Many who could not afford the fees would usually opt for government hospitals. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted many services available in the government hospitals, resulting in the delay of treatment for cataract patients. Sio Kee Hong, Deputy CEO of Tzu Chi KL & Selangor shared, “During the pandemic, government hospitals and clinics must prioritize the operating theatres for Covid-19 patients. Many cataract patients, especially those from low-income families, including Tzu Chi care recipients, were unable to undergo cataract surgery during this time.” Lim Mee Choo was one of those affected. She visited a government hospital for an appointment two years ago, but had not been able to get one. “My poor vision has been troubling me for almost two years. I have been enquiring at government hospitals but there is still no appointment available for cataract surgery.” Giving a hand to government hospitals According to the 2014 National Eye Survey, approximately 216,000 cataract patients have gone blind due to delayed surgery. As a charitable organization, Tzu Chi felt the responsibility of helping cataract patients from poor families to restore their vision and livelihood. When Dr. Lim Chern Pin, a consultant ophthalmologist at VISTA, learned from Kee Hong that Tzu Chi runs free eye clinics for needy people, he readily offered his assistance to make the collaboration come true. Lim Boon Siong, VISTA’s CEO, was very supportive. “It is an honour to work with Tzu Chi. Hopefully, with this, we can help the patients proceed with a normal life. Secondly, it is also to help the government hospitals, who are now focusing on fighting Covid-19.” In September 2021, in conjunction with World Sight Day, the “100 Charity Cataract Surgery” programme by VISTA and Tzu Chi was officially launched. Eight ophthalmologists and the team worked selflessly to perform free cataract operations during their off days. Dr. Lim said, “This is our profession. We certainly hope to give back to those in need.” In light of the ongoing pandemic in the country, VISTA ensured that patients were fully vaccinated and tested for Covid-19 a day before surgery. Besides, appointments were carefully planned to facilitate social distancing. VISTA’s chief marketing officer, Chloe Wong shared, “During the pandemic, we had to practise crowd control and could not schedule too many patients at one time. It was not easy coordinating with various parties. Fortunately, Tzu Chi was able to arrange accordingly.” Regaining one’s vision is like springing back to life, treading a clearer path. Mee Choo said, “I am really lucky to have met Tzu Chi. I am very grateful!”