Group to conduct free eye screening, surgery

Saturday, January 28, 2012

HEALTH for Humanity, an organization of doctors based in Canada, is coming to Bacolod City on February 13 to hold a medical eye mission to treat patients in who have eye problems.

Ted and wife Anne Britanico, with former Councilor Ana Marie Palermo, are helping the group organize the medical mission, which will run from February 13 to 20, in cooperation with the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH), the City of Bacolod through Bacolod First Lady Elsa Leonardia, members of the Sampaguita Lions Club and local volunteers.

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Dr. Hugh Parsons is the head of the 13-man team who will perform the surgery.

A free screening for eye surgery is ongoing at the Eye Center at CLMMRH.

Dr. Francis Elumba, head of the Eye Center, said screening of candidates for surgery and treatment of other eye problems for the Parsons’ mission will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Parsons, who is married to Filipina doctor Tina Aquino, used to conduct medical missions in China and Vietnam but Britanico convinced him to also conduct them in the Philippines.

Parsons’ team has since conducted nine medical missions in the Philippines, the latest of which was in Negros Oriental last year, he said.

They treat anything that concerns the eyes - from simple to complex surgery - and are dedicated to helping save the eyesight of their indigent patients, Britanico added.

Parson is an ophthalmologist and a retina specialist, Britanico added.

Last year, Parson’s team brought almost two tons of medicines and equipment, which they gave to Negros Oriental after their mission.

Britanico said the members of the team not only offer their services for free, but also pay for their own airfare and accommodation.

He said these doctors are the best that Canada can offer. “They are known in the field and have a reputation internationally.”

“They are doing this to give back the blessings that they received. My wife and I also feel the same way that when we are given the opportunity to help others, we will help,” he said.

He said patients can visit the CLMMRH for eye screening. “They just bring with them an identification card. Those who can afford should not be treated because this mission is only for the poorest of the poor who cannot afford to undergo eye surgery.” (CNC)