UP-PGH eye doctors offer free surgery for poor

It’s a golden anniversary with a golden heart.

The University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (UP-PGH DOVS) is celebrating its 50th anniversary by offering  free eye surgery to 50 of its “poorest of the poor” patients.

At least 50 indigent patients  will be chosen as beneficiaries of the 50@50   program,  ranging from laser surgeries to corneal transplants. These procedures usually cost  P10,000 to P200,000 in private hospitals.

A million pesos has already been earmarked by the UP-PGH DOVS for their 50@50 project,  with additional  target beneficiaries depending on the infusion of new funds and donations.

“Not everyone can afford to  have an operation. And what would be more fitting than to give back to the community what they gave  us during our training in  medical school,” said Archimedes Agahan, community project chair of the DOVS 50th anniversary organizing committee.

The screening process for beneficiaries conducted by DOVS alumni and consultants started last week.

Screenings are held every Thursday, from 8 to 12 noon, at the SOJR (Sentro Optalmolohiko Jose Rizal) building.

The operations will take place in the following weeks up to the next three to six months.

The UP-PGH DOVS was founded in Nov. 9. 1961.