Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines

Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines The Buddhist Tzu Chi Eye Center Philippines is a non-profit ambulatory surgical clinic for the poor. At that time, Hualien was undeveloped and impoverished.
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About Tzu Chi

Tzu Chi is a non-profit charitable organization founded by the Buddhist nun Dharma Master Cheng Yen in Hualien, Taiwan in 1966. The master and her disciples sewed baby shoes, made candles and encouraged their followers to save 0.30 NT$ every day for charity. During her charity visits, Dharma Master Cheng Yen realized that many families became poor due to illness or vice versa. She concluded that, to end poverty, illness needed to be taken care of first. She founded a free clinic in 1972 which provided medical services to the poor twice a week and then set out to build a hospital. Today, the Master’s compassion has resulted in the establishment of seven Tzu Chi hospitals across Taiwan. Shortly after a local Tzu Chi chapter was established in the Philippines in 1995, a group of Tzu Chi volunteers and local doctors held a free clinic in Baguio. Thus begun Tzu Chi’s medical work in the country. In 2007, the Tzu Chi Clinic was established in Bacood, Sta. Mesa. It offered free dental and eye care services to indigent patients from across the Philippines. In 2016, the establishment underwent renovation and was renamed to Tzu Chi Eye Center. Today, it is a three-floor structure that features four operating rooms that are equipped with the most advanced ophthalmic technology, and diagnostic rooms as well as a roster of ophthalmologists from a variety of sub specializations. In 2019, the Tzu Chi Eye Center received its accreditation from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

31/03/2026

The 23rd Quezon City Council passed a resolution commending the Tzu Chi Eye Center for “its unconditional and exceptional eye surgical services that restored the sight and hope of numerous indigent patients.”

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and City Councilors presented the plaque of commendation during the City Hall’s flag raising ceremony on February 2. BCMFPI President Dr. Antonio Say, Tzu Chi Eye Center Deputy Medical Director Dr. Irene Susan Lapid-Lim, and Tzu Chi volunteers received the award.

Tzu Chi International Medical Association’s three-day free clinic in Cambodia wrapped up on March 29 with a total of 4,0...
31/03/2026

Tzu Chi International Medical Association’s three-day free clinic in Cambodia wrapped up on March 29 with a total of 4,052 patients served in Ophthalmology, Dental, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Surgery Departments. Among them, 449 were accommodated by the ophthalmology team from the Philippine Tzu Chi Eye Center, while 62 patients underwent minor surgical procedures for benign cysts under the expert hands of Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines Vice President Dr. Robert Sy.

Beyond medical care, the mission became a hands-on learning platform for local future healthcare professionals as Dr. Sy, along with Tzu Chi Eye Center Deputy Medical Director Dr. Susan Lim and volunteer optometrist Dr. Adriene Lim, mentored 30 Cambodian medical students.

Dr. Sy encouraged the students to observe closely, ask questions, and understand the reasoning behind each decision. Following the demonstration of the procedures, he gave them the opportunity to perform under his close supervision, patiently guiding their hands and correcting them when needed. “I share these with the students because we need a second generation to continue improving our medical services,” said Dr. Sy.

At the Ophthalmology Department, Nursing student Chamroen Sophary, 22, persevered in learning how to do the visual acuity test despite the language barrier. She said the experience strengthened her resolve to serve her country, where access to medical services remains limited.

“I hope to become someone like them—compassionate medical professionals who share knowledge with others and inspire future generations,” Chamreon said.

This three-day free clinic in Pursat marked the third year that the Philippine Tzu Chi Eye Center extended its services in Cambodia. Deputy Medical Director Dr. Lim expressed gratitude for the opportunity to help, alongside medical professionals from Taiwan and Singapore. “We don't call it tired; we call it more of fulfillment. Tzu Chi Eye Center is always open to help address Cambodian people's medical concern," Dr. Lim said.

The second day of Tzu Chi’s free clinic at the Krakor Referral Hospital in Pursat, Cambodia saw a surge in patient turno...
29/03/2026

The second day of Tzu Chi’s free clinic at the Krakor Referral Hospital in Pursat, Cambodia saw a surge in patient turnout. On March 28, more residents sought access to healthcare services often unavailable to them. At the Ophthalmology Department, the Philippine Tzu Chi Eye Center team accommodated 201 patients. Seventy-six of them required cataract surgery.

Among the patients was 68-year-old Den Narom, who had cataracts and pterygium in both eyes.

Dem Narom survived Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge regime. Nine of her 12 siblings, along with their parents, were k*lled. She was also separated from her fiancé and had not seen him since then.

In the years following the fall of the regime, Dem Narom did not marry. Instead, she dedicated her life to serving others. She joined a non-governmental organization and became a teacher to children affected by the war. Drawing from her own painful past, she worked to guide and support those who had also lost so much. However, another tragedy changed her life’s course – Dem was hit by a motorcycle while on her way to work. She recalled that her blurry vision prevented her from seeing the approaching vehicle until it was too late. Dem had never been able to walk normally since. She quit her work. Her sister and niece took her in and cared for her. Then, two years ago, Dem’s vision dimmed, making daily life even more challenging.

Hearing about Tzu Chi’s free clinic, Dem’s niece took her for a consultation. She was told that she needed surgery. Tzu Chi’s local office in Cambodia will help with the costs. Hearing this, Dem was filled with gratitude. Having endured years of suffering, the compassion she received on this day is something she will carry with her for the rest of her life.

Another patient, Ham Mao, had cataracts in both eyes. For years, she quietly set aside her own health to care for her two grandchildren. The free clinic came at an auspicious time. Her daughter had recently moved back home and took over childcare responsibilities, allowing Ham Mao to finally undergo surgery. She was thrilled when she was told Tzu Chi would help.

“I have waited for this for so long. Thank you much,” she happily said.

"The state of mind that we maintain should be like nanotechnology..."
29/03/2026

"The state of mind that we maintain should be like nanotechnology..."

HOLY WEEK CLINIC ADVISORYTzu Chi Eye Center's clinics and offices will be closed from March 30 to April 4, 2026. Regular...
28/03/2026

HOLY WEEK CLINIC ADVISORY

Tzu Chi Eye Center's clinics and offices will be closed from March 30 to April 4, 2026. Regular clinics and office operations will resume on April 6, 2026, Monday.

The Philippine Tzu Chi Eye Center team served 130 patients on the first day of a free clinic organized by the Tzu Chi In...
28/03/2026

The Philippine Tzu Chi Eye Center team served 130 patients on the first day of a free clinic organized by the Tzu Chi International Medical Association in Pursat Province, Cambodia.

On March 27, Eye Center Deputy Medical Director Dr. Susan Lim led the screening of patients at the Krakor Referral Hospital. Among the cases seen, cataract was the most common, with 35 patients requiring surgical intervention. Volunteer optometrist Adriene Lim, meanwhile, dispensed 42 reading glasses and refracted six patients.

Among the patients who benefitted from the services was Chea Yon, a survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime, a period that sought to transform Cambodia into a classless agrarian society by forcing millions into labor under harsh and inhumane conditions.

Chea Yon is now 68 years old. She endured immense loss—her parents and five siblings did not survive the brutal regime. Now, she is poised to lose her vision, too as cataracts developed in both of her eyes. Her declining vision had already led to a painful experience—she fell from a motorbike, resulting in a bone injury that now leaves her unable to stand on her own.

Despite these hardships, she is not entirely alone. Kind neighbors and distant relatives have stepped in to support her. Her third-generation niece, Prum Yeun, took Chea in and treated her as if she were her own mother despite their own financial difficulties.

In her nearly seven decades of life, it was only at Tzu Chi's medical mission that Chea had ever undergone an eye examination. Along with other patients, Chea will undergo cataract procedure with the help of Tzu Chi Cambodia and the Samdech Techo Voluntary Youth Doctor Association (TYDA). "I don’t have any money to repay Tzu Chi but I would like to express my immense gratitude to the Foundation and to the team of doctors for helping me," Chea Yon said tearfully.

Beyond ophthalmology services, Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines Vice President Dr. Robert Sy performed six minor surgeries during the mission, helping patients suffering from benign cysts receive necessary treatment.

A seven-member team from the Philippine Tzu Chi Eye Center is now in Cambodia to participate in Tzu Chi International Me...
27/03/2026

A seven-member team from the Philippine Tzu Chi Eye Center is now in Cambodia to participate in Tzu Chi International Medical Association's free clinics on March 27-29. The team, composed of Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines Vice President Dr. Robert Sy, Eye Center Deputy Medical Director Dr. Susan Lapid-Lim, volunteer optometrist Dr. Adriene Lim, and four Eye Center staff members, arrived in Cambodia past 10:00 last night, March 26.

This marks the third time since 2019 that the Philippine Eye Center team will take part in this international free clinics in Cambodia, which will also be participated in by medical volunteers from Tzu Chi Taiwan and Singapore.

Dr. Susan will carry out screenings to identify patients who may require cataract and pterygium surgery, as well as those needing treatment for refractive errors, dry eye, and other eye-related conditions. "Hopefully we can give very good basic attention to the complaints of the patients for their eyes,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Adriene will conduct refraction tests and provide prescription eyeglasses, while Dr. Robert will manage possible minor surgical cases identified during the mission.

To support these services, the Philippine delegation brought eye drop medicines and key instruments such as a trial lens kit, reading charts, and eyeglass frames. The local team confirmed that slit lamps and basic equipment will be provided on site. Meanwhile, Dr. Robert provided his own surgical instruments and medicines in preparation for possible minor operations. He said that preparation allows the team to serve more patients effectively. “When you go on a mission, you must bring everything you need. If you are there to serve, always give your all,” he added.

The three-day free clinics will be held at Krakor Referral Hospital in Pursat Province, offering services in General Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dental, and Optometry and Ophthalmology. It aims to serve 4,000 patients in this rural area that has limited access to healthcare services.

Tzu Chi Eye Center, on March 20, took advantage of the holiday to open its doors to new patients. A total of 537 individ...
26/03/2026

Tzu Chi Eye Center, on March 20, took advantage of the holiday to open its doors to new patients. A total of 537 individuals from all over the country showed up despite the ongoing transport strike, forming a long queue outside the Eye Center before sunrise. Among them, 260 required surgery. Cataract accounted for the the majority of these cases, totaling 240.

These patients have been waiting for consultation appointments since late December 2025 through early February 2026. Because Tzu Chi Eye Center serves hundreds of new and returning patients daily — alongside a full schedule of surgeries and specialized clinics — the list of new patients requesting for consultation has been growing longer. To address this, the Eye Center launched a quarterly screening program last year, dedicated to streamlining the process for new patients and reducing wait times.

Ten volunteer ophthalmologists were mobilized for the event. Members of the 124th Philippine Air Force Affiliate Reserve Unit also supported the activity. From 6:00 a.m. until afternoon, medical and non-medical volunteers worked together in full force to accommodate the patients, ensuring no one gets left behind.

READ FULL STORY: https://medium.com//tzu-chi-eye-center-accommodates-537-new-patients-ce19170283f6

"Compassion is inspired from within; blessings are created through action."
26/03/2026

"Compassion is inspired from within; blessings are created through action."

Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines Vice President Dr. Robert Sy, together with volunteer surgeons Dr. Timot...
25/03/2026

Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines Vice President Dr. Robert Sy, together with volunteer surgeons Dr. Timothy Yu, Dr. Alejandro Tan, and Dr. Anthony Lim, performed minor operations on 18 patients suffering from benign cysts and warts. Free medicines were also provided to support their recovery.

Three years since it opened its doors to extend care to Persons Deprived of Liberty from the New Bilibid Prison, Tzu Chi...
25/03/2026

Three years since it opened its doors to extend care to Persons Deprived of Liberty from the New Bilibid Prison, Tzu Chi Eye Center’s commitment to help this forgotten population see the world again remains steadfast.

On March 11, Medical Director Dr. Bernardita Navarro accommodated 20 PDLs for consultation and performed cataract surgery on seven others. From the maximum, medium, and minimum-security compounds of the NBP in Muntinlupa City, they were transported by the Bureau of Corrections to the Eye Center in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

PDLs, who used to be cataract-blind, returned for their post-operative consultation. This time, with their vision restored, they can walk on their own and assist their fellow inmates, who struggled visually.

PDL Lito, 61, served as eyes to 51-year-old Donnie. Lito underwent surgery last year. His restored vision reinforced his commitment to the meaningful work he does in the prison facilities: teaching PDLs to read and write. Volunteer optometrist Dr. Adriene Lim prescribed him with a pair of eyeglasses to further help improve his eyesight.

Meanwhile, Donnie underwent an operation.

Donnie led a comfortable life in his youth, managing a hotel his family owned. However, one bad decision led to his greatest life regret. At 30 years old, he was sentenced to a life in prison for kidnapping. His good behavior, active participation in rehabilitation, and obedience helped reduce his prison sentence. However, a few years before he would be released, cataracts developed in both his eyes and blinded him.

Donnie’s family had long ago moved abroad, leaving him alone in the country. Hence, he had no one to ask for help when he wanted to undergo surgery. Just as he was losing hope, BUCOR and Tzu Chi Eye Center’s surgical partnership came like an answered prayer. With hopeful eyes, Donnie now looks forward to his future: “I want to walk the straight path and hopefully start a family of my own from this day on. I will forever be indebted to Tzu Chi for helping us."

24/03/2026

After nearly two years apart, a Person Deprived of Liberty father reunites with his Tzu Chi scholar daughter during an optical mission held at Bohol District Jail.

Address

1000 Cordillera Street Corner Lubiran Street, Bacood, Sta. Mesa
Manila
1016

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 5pm

Website

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