When Tzu Chi was established in Zamboanga City in the year 2000, one of the very first beneficiaries were the residents of Pasobolong Leprosarium. Tzu Chi distributed relief goods and followed it up with a Medical/Dental and Sightsaving Mission there. The first Major Surgical Mission was hosted by the hospital in the same area. Over the years this relationship continued with Tzu Chi providing free Jaipur Foot prosthesis for those in need of one.

Last December 2008, Tzu Chi grabbed at the opportunity to renew this ties by holding a SIGHTSAVING MISSION for the residents of Pasobolong Sanitarium and their dependents. Transported to the Tzu Chi Great Love Eye Center in batches, Tzu Chi in cooperation with Zamboanga City Medical Center gave them free Eye Acuity Tests and Check ups. Of the 83 that availed of the services, 42 have errors of refractions, 10 with cataracts, 15 with pterygium and 16 with various eye ailments needing expensive eye medications. Those with error of refractions were given FREE eyeglasses complements of Cataract Foundation of the Philippines while those needing eye medications were very happy to have their prescriptions filled by Tzu Chi. Recipients needing surgeries will be operated at the center FREE of charge starting February 2009.

Even at this age and time when medicine for leprosy is readily available, people still discriminate against them. Refusing to share seats with them because of ignorance about their sickness and worst some even refuse to buy anything that comes from their toil. Because of this, they find it hard to break out of poverty. For most of them, they could not even afford the cheap reading glasses that we take for granted.

When the eye glasses was given to them, most were teary eyed as they could not believe that their prayers will be answered. For most of them, they have forgotten how it is to see with a 20/20 vision. They now look at the world in a different light and with their hopes renewed!

Tzu Chi is very fortunate to have been able to make a difference in their lives and pray that the lives will improve from now on even as we pledge to be there when the need us.