Place: Surge del Sur, The Philippines
Mission Date: 24-31 October 2024
In the remote region of Surigao del Sur, a team of ophthalmic professionals embarked on a weeklong mission at Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center with the goal of restoring sight to those in need. Led by Dr. Hon-Vu Q. Duong and Dr. M. Michael Maingrette, the team worked alongside local ophthalmologist Dr. Matthew Baruc and mission coordinator Dr. Santos Yu to assess over 200 patients. Of these, 70 were identified as candidates for cataract surgery, and 65 were medically cleared for operation. By the end of the mission, 58 patients had successfully undergone surgery.
Among them was a familiar face: a patient from a previous mission in 2022 who returned with a lens complication requiring further intervention. After meticulous post-operative care, their vision improved significantly within 48 hours. However, not all cases could proceed as planned. Six patients had to be deferred because the correct intraocular lens (IOL) diopters were unavailable, highlighting a challenge in pre-mission planning. This setback has prompted discussions on improving the allocation process, including pre-screening patients two months before the mission to determine the correct lens powers in advance. Since supply requests must be submitted at least two months prior to departure, this would allow the surgical team to ensure the necessary lenses are available. Additionally, the team is considering an exchange system with the host ophthalmologist to swap donated lenses for the correct diopters, helping to address any last-minute discrepancies.
The mission was not just about performing surgeries; it was also about building lasting relationships with local medical professionals. By collaborating closely with the hospital’s ophthalmologist and staff, the team ensured a smooth and effective surgical process, contributing to the mission’s overall success. The surgical team was granted full access to the operating room, and the seamless partnership with hospital nurses ensured efficient, high-quality patient care. Dr. Yu and his family also provided exceptional hosting, ensuring the team’s comfort throughout their stay.
Through these meaningful relationships, we aim to expand future efforts beyond surgical intervention by incorporating training programs for local ophthalmologists and eye residents. Although planned lectures on acute vision loss and red-eye emergencies had to be postponed this time, the team has already identified strategies to coordinate future educational initiatives, ensuring better opportunities for knowledge exchange and skill development.
For the patients, the results were life-changing. Many who had previously struggled with impaired vision, were able to regain their independence, return to work, and reduce the burden on their families. Beyond these immediate results, every mission contributes to a broader goal: building sustainable eye care through ongoing training and partnerships, ensuring that more people can access the treatment they need long after a single visit. This means not only restoring sight but also restoring autonomy and opportunity for countless individuals.
We look forward to returning to the Philippines soon to continue these exciting endeavors.
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