Tzu Chi Eye Center’s optometry team flew from Manila over the weekend to support the local Tzu Chi liaison office’s optical mission held inside the Bohol District Jail (BDJ) in Tagbilaran City on January 24.

Bringing their own equipment and supplies, the eight-member team, led by volunteer optometrist Dr. Adriene Lim, provided refraction tests as well as dispensed eye drop medicines and reading glasses to 540 male and female Persons Deprived of Liberty and jail guards of BDJ. The team also committed to producing lenses in Manila for those who require prescription eyeglasses. These will be delivered to the PDLs once completed.

The mission was special for Dr. Lim. “These are the people that we do not often have the opportunity to reach, and so when they told me about this project, I wanted to go and give them the best that we can possibly offer,” she said. “Why not give them the comfort of their vision? It is the only thing they have now that can help improve themselves as well as their skills.”

Indeed, the PDLs are reliant on their vision for their daily activities inside the detention facility. PDL Allan learned to paint colorful pictures when he was imprisoned four years ago. These days, his art works have not only become a source of joy, but also of regular income that allows him to continue supporting his wife and child while in prison.

Allan’s poor vision, however, threatened to take away his chance to make it up to his family. During the optical mission, he underwent consultation and received a pair of reading glasses, saving him from losing the opportunity to be his family’s provider.

48-year-old PDL Theo, meanwhile, finds comfort in the Bible since his imprisonment two years ago, but his failing vision is affecting his ability to read. The glasses he received from Tzu Chi brought him not only immense physical relief but more importantly, spiritual peace. “Our faith matters to us even more while we are here,” Theo said. “It helps keep our thoughts positive and teaches us to learn from our mistakes. I am grateful that you visited us today and shared your kindness with us. Although we are prisoners, you came out of concern for us.”

Jail Superintendent Thomas Diaz Jr. echoed this gratitude, adding that the project supports the Bureau of Jail and Management Penology (BJMP)’s Jail Plan 2040, which includes the PDLs’ reintegration into society.

“They have always been regarded by society as ‘the last, the lost, and the least’ but today, you came here and made them feel that they come first in your heart,” said JSupt. Diaz.

44-year-old Natalia, a Russian national who spent her days behind bars in a foreign land, longing for her children, was deeply moved by this gesture of kindness. “I feel so pleased because I have been given attention today,” she said after receiving a pair of reading glasses and an eye drop for her dry eyes. “It’s really nice – the people from your Foundation. I am also a Buddhist. I appreciate that you came here and helped me out. I have no money for food; I have four kids and I am a single mother. Nobody is helping me. No one is supporting me. You came today and made my day. Thank you.”

These words of gratitude from the patients are the reason volunteer optometrist Dr. Siu Yu Lam could not completely abandon her profession despite retiring from service a decade ago. She cherishes the opportunity to volunteer with Tzu Chi, alongside her dear friend Dr. Lim, knowing that there are patients who need them. “Volunteer work gives me so much satisfaction. That I can do something for my community makes me happy because it gives my life value,” she reflected. “Your capability is very much appreciated by those who need it. It may seem like it’s just a small effort on your part, but for them, it matters a lot.”

Volunteer Joseph Co, who heads the medical programs of Tzu Chi Bohol, said the optical mission is only an initial intervention as the organization also seeks to help the PDLs for their other medical concerns. This project, according to him, fulfills founder Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s goal: to purify people’s mind, harmonize society, so that there will be no more disasters.

“We consider them as patients in need of medical services, and every patient should be treated equally. That is why we do not look at their background. Instead, we see them as patients who need our care,” he said.

“When the unfortunate cannot find help, those who are blessed must go to them.” – Jing Si Aphorism