LUNA, Apayao – More than 100 residents of Marag, Luna, were given free vision screenings and consultations as the World Sight Day celebration continued in the province on October 8.
The program provides much-needed eye care particularly to the senior citizens, and is expected to bring services to more areas including a planned visit to Calanasan and other upper Apayao towns.
Despite the unavailability of eyeglasses during the said event, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Mark Calban assured the residents that their glasses will be delivered within two weeks. “Medyo hindi kaya ng manpower natin ngayon, but we assure the people na babalik tayo within two weeks para maibigay yung mga salamin nila,” said Calban.
In addition to the free checkups, food packs were distributed to the elderlies in attendance. “Nakapagbigay din tayo ng kaunting tulong in the form of family food packs sa ating mga seniors to reward yung pagpunta ng maaga at pagpila,” Calban added.
“Napakaganda ng simula ng ating Provincial Eye Health Program,” Calban said referring to the surge in attendance and the overwhelming response seen in Pudtol on October 3.
“Minsan lang kasi magkaroon ng libreng checkup sa mata, so the residents are really making the most out of it,” Calban explained.
The Marag event followed the highly successful program in Pudtol where over 350 yApayaos benefited from the same undertaking.
“Originally, 150 lang ang kaya nating i-accommodate sa Pudtol but the turnout far exceeded the expectations with more than 350 individuals ang nakatanggap ng eye care,” Calban added.
Calban likewise highlighted the prompt referrals for patients diagnosed with cataracts. “Kapag may Nakita tayo na may cataract at na-screen naman natin and qualified siya for surgery, agad-agad po nating ire-refer yan sa ating partner hospital which is Far North [Luzon General Hospital and Training Center],” he said.
This continuing effort is made possible through a partnership with the Fred Hollows Foundation, the Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center, the Department of Health, and the local government units.
Next stop will be in Calanasan. By Jess Christley Marquez