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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, last September 1, 2023, partnered with the ISAOSI Chapter of the Optometric Association of the Philippines (OAP), Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, and the Resources of the Blind, Inc (RBI) to conduct a joint medical-optical mission at the Bangued Chapel in Linasin, Bangued.
The medical team, led by Dr. Sheila Granada of the ISAOSI Chapter of the OAP, and other dedicated ophthalmologists offered comprehensive health services to individuals, including members of Bangued Philippines Stake (diocese), residing in remote rural areas and indigenous communities in the area.
They also conducted screenings to determine eligibility for much-needed eye surgeries and provided advice for patients who have various eye health conditions, including cataracts, low vision (vision loss that cannot be corrected with glasses, contacts or surgery), and Strabismus (which is more commonly known as “cross-eyes”).
One grateful attendee, Eric [last name withheld as requested], a resident of Lapaz, Abra, expressed his appreciation for the medical-optical mission. "I am grateful to Dr. Sheila and her colleagues for their love and patience with everyone," he said.
Vision care is among many humanitarian initiatives that are supported by the philanthropic mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Church also provides equipment and supplies essential to diagnose and treat vision problems around the world.
Last year, the Church provided vision care to 401,548 people in 17 countries. Nearly one million people in 81 countries and territories have been helped since 2003.