RCSPS launches its “Eye Care For You” Project

Rotary Club of San Pedro South (RCSPS) is now offering free eye check-ups and operations for indigent patients through the club’s newly-launched initiative

“Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. And the beauty of any project is in the hearts of the giver.”

RCSPS and President Guia de Leon believe that the eyes are very important. People see the beauty of this world with their sense of sight. When the eyes are in perfect form, there are lot of things that people can do.

The World Health Organization, however, estimated that the number of people visually impaired in the world is 285 million, 39 million blind and 246 million having low vision.

Cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration are the leading causes of blindness globally. In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that over two million Filipinos nationwide are blind or are suffering from poor vision.

To address the problem, President Guia de Leon of the Rotary Club of San Pedro South (RCSPS) joint forces with Mr. Bernard Herrera of “Serbisyong May Puso” team and Ms. Maria Sylvia Abelgas of “Alagang Kalusugan, Inc.” and of Inner Wheel Club of Makati West Premier.
Together, the “Eye Care For You” (ECFY) project was born on June 16, 2020, President Guia’s birthday. ECFY provides thorough eye exams and eye services like cataract operation to the San Pedro Community, all for free. The roundtrip service every Monday to Sierra Eye Clinic at Santo Tomas, Batangas from San Pedro, Laguna is also being provided for free.

Although hundreds of senior citizens are now being prioritized in the list, the team is hoping to extend the help to all ages, all-year round. Fortunately, upon seeing the great advocacies of the project, 1st District Laguna Board Member Ann Matibag, City Vice Mayor Art Mercado and PP Arwin Serrano of RCSPS New Generations also joined the ECFY project.

Despite the pandemic, the public should still get their eyes checked as recommended. Just as it is important to keep bodies free from the novel coronavirus, the eyes must also be kept healthy.

RCSPS believes that early detection and preventive eye care are of topmost importance. Hence, the club is also providing an information campaign thru social media and print ads to remind everyone to always keep their eyes healthy.