Church Donates Eye Surgery Machine to Western Visayas Medical Center

Western Visayas Medical Center has received a surgical ophthalmology machine from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a contribution made possible through a partnership with Lions Club International. The machine was formally turned over during a ceremony held at the hospital on April 22, 2026, where medical officials and Church representatives gathered to mark what both sides called a significant step forward for eye care in the region.

Alongside the equipment, the Church also donated a supply of intraocular lens (IOL) implants, which are used in cataract surgery and other procedures to restore or improve a patient's vision. For many patients at WVMC who cannot afford private care, these lenses represent the difference between sight and permanent visual impairment.

Hospital officials expressed deep appreciation for the donation, noting that WVMC has seen a steady increase in ophthalmology cases in recent years. The new equipment is expected to expand the hospital's capacity to perform more complex eye surgeries, reduce patient backlogs, and improve outcomes for those who depend on government hospitals for their medical needs.

Beyond patient care, hospital leadership also highlighted the donation's impact on medical education. The ophthalmology residency program at WVMC will benefit directly from access to advanced surgical technology, giving resident physicians hands-on training with equipment that matches what they will encounter in professional practice.

"These invaluable resources will not only help address the growing number of ophthalmology patients but will also enhance the training and development of our residents,  empowering them to deliver excellent, compassionate, and life-changing care." - Western Visayas Medical Center

This donation is part of the Church's ongoing humanitarian efforts, which have included disaster relief, medical assistance, and community development programs across the country. The collaboration with Lions Club International reflects the Church's broader approach of partnering with established civic organizations to extend its reach and ensure that aid is delivered where it is most needed.

Western Visayas Medical Center serves as the primary referral hospital for Region VI, making it a critical institution for millions of Filipinos across Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental. Donations that strengthen its capabilities have an outsized effect on public health access across the entire region.