Restoring Sight and Hope: PJPS Optical Mission at the Correctional Institution for Women and New Bilibid Prison

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, PJPS had been conducting regular optical missions at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), focusing on providing essential eye care services such as cataract and pterygium surgeries for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) suffering from these conditions. This year, we are excited to resume our optical mission in partnership with the Ephatha Foundation, the Mabuhay Deseret Foundation , and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . The mission began with screenings on September 9 at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong and September 10 at New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa. During these screenings, PDLs were assessed to determine whether they needed eyeglasses or surgical intervention for conditions such as cataracts and other eye-related illnesses. Following these assessments, eyeglasses will be distributed, and surgeries will be scheduled for those in need. Screened Patients from the Optical Mission at CIW: Service Provided Number of PDLs Served Cataract Cases Detected 56 Pterygium Cases Detected 23 Other Eye-related Cases Detected 0 Prescription Glasses 263 Reading Glasses Dispensed during screening 99 Medicines Dispensed during screening 15 Total PDLs Served: 456 Screened Patients from the Optical Mission at NBP: Service Provided Number of PDLs Served Cataract Cases Detected 76 Pterygium Cases Detected 11 Glaucoma Cases Detected 5 Diabetic Retinopathy Cases Detected 1 Other Eye-related Cases Detected 4 Prescription Glasses 154 Reading Glasses Dispensed during screening 42 Medicines Dispensed during screening 40 Total Screened Patient: 333 This mission is a testament to our commitment to restoring not just sight but also hope and dignity to those we serve. By working together with our partners, we aim to continue providing these essential services to PDLs, helping them see a brighter future. Together, let’s keep restoring sight and hope! #PJPS #OpticalMission #MissionPartner #HopeInSight #EphathaFoundation #MabuhayDeseretFoundation #TheChurchOfJesusChristOfLatterDaySaints