ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ

Dr. Renz Barroga expertly performs a cataract surgery, with attentive assistance from ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Nursing alumni Nelson Co and Desiree Vivas. Photo by Celmer Santos

Far Eastern University, the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Nursing Alumni Foundation (ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵNAF-USA), a US-Based 501c certified non-profit organization, led by Nelson Co and Roselily Chan of its East Coast Chapter, together with the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Alumni Relations Office (ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ-ARO), conducted a Cataract Surgical/Medical Mission in Narvacan District Hospital in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur recently.

The medical mission is part of the joint effort of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵNAF-USA and ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ-ARO to contribute to the UN-Sustainable Development Goal # 3 or in ensuring healthy lives and promotion of well-being for all ages.

Almost 200 patients were assessed and given reading glasses during the first day. Five eye doctors led by Dr. Leo Pacquing (a BS Biology and Medicine graduate of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ) conducted the initial screening. Simultaneously, the other half of the group was led by ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵNAF USA Inc. president-elect Amor Collera, former ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Vice President for Academic Affairs Lydia Palaypay, Perlita Lacson Omega, and Dr. Marilou Cao visited Bulanos Elementary School for a feeding program and distribution of gifts to the children through the support of Pay-it-Forward. The first day culminated with a welcome dinner for the group sponsored by the couple Benny and Mercy Zaragoza at their home.

The remaining patients were scheduled for operation on a different date and were accompanied by Narvacanian and alumna Roselily Chan, while Dr. Barroga and Dr. Pacquing will perform follow-up checkups in the succeeding weeks.

The remaining patients were scheduled for operation on a different date and were accompanied by Narvacanian and alumna Roselily Chan, while Dr. Barroga and Dr. Pacquing will perform follow-up checkups in the succeeding weeks.

Of the patients, 20 had to undergo further cataract screening and biometry tests in two separate hospitals the following day before they were given clearance to undergo operation. Ten patients belonging to the first batch were operated on the third day of the medical mission. Dr. Renz Barroga and Dr. Thonnie Rose See-Pacquing performed the surgeries assisted by ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Nursing Alumni Nelson Co, Disiree Vivas, Lyn Triunpo, Precy Longanilla, Jose Planillo, and Robb Desierto.