Foundation to launch free cataract screening

STA. RITA -- The Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDF) will host a free eye cataract screening on September 20 and 22 at the Jose A. Datu Medical Center (JADMC) for indigent patients who would like to avail of free cataract removal operations.

KDF and former Clark Development Corporation president Benigno Ricafort said the mission aims to provide free cataract surgery to indigents of the province.

He said volunteer doctors and partner organizations of KDF will participate in the cataract surgery, schedule of which will be announced after the screening.

KDF trustee Sylvia Ordonez said screenings will start from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.

At present, the KDF enjoys funding from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), which signed an agreement with the KDF for the granting of a P3-million assistance fund for various medical operations here.

Ordonez said those who qualified for the free cataract surgery will be able to avail of free surgery from KDF. She said the mission will greatly defer the cost of the usually expensive eye surgery.

Minimum cost for cataract surgery per eye is P42,000, which may reach to P141,000 depending on the condition of the patient.

KDF is an organization of Kapampangans who live outside of the region, yearning to do their share in its social and economic development.

It boasts of a continuing prosthesis program that gives artificial legs, wheelchairs and medical-surgical missions to Pampanga amputees.

The foundation has recently expanded its programs to include free cataract, cleft palate and harelip surgeries to indigents. The KDF also hosts a birthing clinic at the JADMC.

The JADMC is the base of operation of KDF and its partner service organizations.