BOHOL, Philippines — For children who have hearing impairments, their eyes do more than see. They are essential to how they communicate, understand, and connect with the world. Every hand movement carries meaning, every facial expression conveys emotion, and every written word becomes a bridge to learning. But when their vision becomes blurred, even simple interactions can become challenging.
“As a deaf school, our students are entirely visual and kinesthetic in their learning. So clarity is everything for them, if they can’t see the letter, they can’t read, they won’t be able to answer their exams, and they won’t be able to do their schoolwork. Even decoding their sign language would be difficult if they can’t see clearly. The way they navigate life and communicate with each other will all be affected.”, Bohol Deaf Academy School Principal since 2022, Mr. Khris Marc Ronquillo explained.
Bohol Deaf Academy teacher (right) guided Tzu Chi medical staff (left) during eye examinations for the students.
Recognizing this need, Tzu Chi Foundation Bohol extended its compassion to Bohol Deaf Academy, bringing eye care where hope would begin again for students whose daily lives depend greatly on clear vision. “While our school nurse has been looking for institutions to partner with to address our students’ medical needs, it was Tzu Chi Foundation who was first to answer the call”, Mr. Ronquillo continued.
The school nurse (right) guided Tzu Chi medical staff (Left|) as they conducted eye examinations for the students.
Serving for three years as a School Nurse at the Bohol Deaf Academy gave Ms. Maria Leah Almosura both a challenge to adjust to her working environment and at the same time, learning from the students who have hearing impairments. “It’s heartwarming for me to be able to serve these beautiful people as a school nurse. They are appreciative and grateful despite communication barriers. I learned to be patient along the way too”, she said.
“Our funds are limited because it is only focused on providing for education. But we also want their health to be prioritized and through the dental services that Tzu Chi Foundation provided to our students early this year, we came to know that you can also provide eye check-ups and we are grateful for the opportunity it will finally push through today. We have identified 25% of our students’ population who has error of refraction”, Nurse Maria Leah further explained and added that she hopes that the eye doctors will have more strength to screen the entire school population on that day.
Tzu Chi medical staff (left and right) and Tzu Chi Bohol staff (center) tested the newly donated auto-refractometer machine, provided by Tzu Chi Bohol volunteers.
On July 12, 2026, bringing with them a brand-new Auto-refractometer machine donated by Tzu Chi Bohol volunteers, two optometrists and two staff nurses from Tzu Chi Eye Center traveled from Manila to Bohol to conduct free eye examinations for all of Bohol Deaf Academy’s 149 students. Of those screened, a number were found to have dry eyes due to excessive screen time and were given eye drops and an education to help manage this condition, and 36 were found to need prescription eyeglasses.
Tzu Chi medical staff (right) used the newly donated auto-refractometer to examine the students’ eyes.
Among the students screened was Kian (Not his real name), who was given eye drops because he was experiencing eye discomfort and difficulty seeing clearly because of prolonged cellphone use.
Another student, Judy (Not her real name), had difficulty with reading and writing and will be needing to wear prescription eyeglasses. Her simple hand gesture revealed a challenge that could easily go unnoticed but significantly affect a child’s education.
The Tzu Chi volunteer (right) demonstrates the Tzu Chi sign language for “I love you,” while the sign language counterpart of it was demonstrated by the Bohol Deaf Academy staff interpreter (left)
The Tzu Chi volunteer demonstrates the Tzu Chi sign language for “Thank you,” or the sign of gratitude and respect.
Beyond providing medical care, Tzu Chi volunteers demonstrated that compassion knows no language barriers. During the outreach, a Tzu Chi volunteer introduced the students, school leaders, and teachers to Tzu Chi Foundation and its humanitarian mission through a meaningful exchange of sign language.
Incorporating elements of Chinese Sign Language, which is practiced as part of Tzu Chi’s humanistic culture, the volunteer taught the students several signs while also using familiar gestures from their own sign language to establish understanding.
The interaction became more than an introduction to Tzu Chi. It was a moment of connection, where different languages and cultures can come together, showing an important humanistic value: genuine communication begins with the willingness to understand others.
Tzu Chi medical staff (right), assisted by Bohol Deaf Academy teachers (wearing royal blue Uniform), conducted eye examinations for the students.
Tzu Chi medical staff (right), assisted by Bohol Deaf Academy teachers (wearing royal blue Uniform), conducted eye examinations for the students.
The medical team experienced this same spirit during the examinations. Although communication initially presented challenges, teachers and sign language interpreters helped bridge the gap, allowing the doctors and students to understand one another.
Lyzl Balanian, a staff nurse from the Tzu Chi Eye Center in Manila, said it was her first time to serve hearing-impaired patients and communication was initially challenging, but teachers and interpreters helped the examinations proceed smoothly. She encouraged the teachers to watch for signs of vision difficulties and seek early assessment.
Tzu Chi medical staff member Dr. Adriene Elizabeth Lim conducted eye examinations to assess the students’ vision.
Tzu Chi medical staff member Dr. Adriene Elizabeth Lim conducted eye examinations to assess the students’ vision.
Optometrist Dr. Adriene Elizabeth Lim who frequents Bohol to serve during eye screening missions, admired the students’ cooperation despite the language barrier, and hoped the experience would encourage the students to continue caring for their eyes.
Tzu Chi medical staff (right) distributed and handed over the new eyeglasses to Bohol Deaf Academy students.
On October 10, 2026, nearly three months later, Tzu Chi Eye Center optometrists returned to Bohol Deaf Academy to distribute and dispense 36 pairs of prescription eyeglasses to the students identified during the initial screening.
What may seem like an ordinary pair of glasses represented something far greater for these learners. It meant seeing their teachers’ hand movements more clearly, recognizing words in their books, and participating in classroom discussions with greater confidence.
Sponsorship Officer and nurse (left) relayed instructions to the students on the proper way to handle and care for their new eyeglasses.
Sponsorship Officer and nurse (left) relayed instructions to the students on the proper way to handle and care for their new eyeglasses.
Portia Navea, Deaf Wellness Division Officer at Bohol Deaf Academy, expressed gratitude for the assistance. “Eyeglasses are expensive, and Tzu Chi gave them to us for free. This is a big help, especially for students who have eye problems, because it helps them feel more comfortable during classes and learn better,” she shared.
Beyond improving vision, the assistance also eased the financial burden on families and the school, who might otherwise struggle to afford prescription eyeglasses. Through the Tzu Chi eye mission, the students of Bohol Deaf Academy heard and felt acts of love and compassion in their world of silence.
