article from Bohol chronicle

An Eye-opening Experience
SARAH SCHWARZ
New York, USA
For two days this past week I joined the Rotary Club of Tagbilaran as they performed free medical screenings all across Bohol. With partner clubs from Bacolod and even Australia, as well as generous support from the Cataract Foundation, more than one thousand Boholanos were screened for vision and hearing; receiving medical care and many pairs of sunglasses.

Carmen, Guindulman, Anda and Dagohoy were just a few of the towns visited by these doctors, students and humanitarians: they spent long days to reach as many patients as possible within a short time. Even so, with all of their effort, it seems there are many more Boholanos who still require eye care. In fact, this island was chosen for the vision mission because, accordingly, Bohol has the highest rate of blindness in the Philippines.

Perhaps due to the agriculture industry based here, which requires long hours spent working outdoors in the bright sunlight, many Boholanos develop cataracts in their eyes. These can be painful and itchy, and the best way to prevent their formation is to wear sunglasses whenever outside. Hundreds of elementary school children were screened for hearing, as well. Even those with ear problems remained cheerful and energetic, offering tours of their school to the visitors and posing for photos.

All in all, this was a wonderful chance to experience the real Bohol and meet Filipinos from all walks of life, while seeing much of the natural beauty of the island and supporting a good cause. When I return to the United States I will certainly carry many memories of the warm and welcoming Boholano spirit and encourage others to visit and learn from the compassion and resilience that I have been lucky to experience.

http://www.theboholchronicle.com/searchresult.php?sid=5034&rtopic=cataract%20foundation&section=3