March 7, 2000
Volume 4

y2k Mission in Dipolog, Zamboanga Del Norte and Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija

Save Sight Missions on its latest trip to the Philippines performed 39 cataract procedures in Dipolog, Zamboanga Del Norte from February 9 to 11, 2000, and 16 cataracts and 1 strabismus procedure in Cabanatuan , Nueva Ecija from February 16-17, 2000. A total of 56 surgical procedures.

Dipolog airport reception

The team left JFK International Airport on Friday evening at 11 pm on February 4, 2000. After a stopover in Alaska and Seoul, Korea, the team arrived in Manila at 10 am on Sunday, February 6, 2000. The next day the team left on a one hour domestic flight from Manila to Dipolog on Philippine Airlines. On February 8, 2000 prescreening was conducted at Zamboanga Del Norte Coop Hospital for surgery the following day. Unfortunately, due to fluctuating electrical current, we could not use all 3 phacoemulsifiers. They could not work properly because of amperage and voltage surges. Nevertheless, utilizing extracapsular cataract extraction with manual Gills I&A push-pull technique, good postoperative results was obtained.

 

The Mission in Dipolog

Ames residence

Dipolog, Zamboanga Del Norte Cooop Hospital

The first week of the mission was sponsored by the Philippine Medical Society of New Jersey represented by Dr. Teresita Bobila-Brilllantes, and the Ilocano Association, USA, represented by Dr. Alex and Debbie Bobila, Dr. Salvador and Aida Arguilla, and Ms. Ave Pimo. The Knights of Columbus, Governor and Mayor also participated in the mission. The eye team consisted of Dr. Linsy Farris, Director of Ophthalmology, Harlem Hospital, Dr. Jack Bautista, Chairman, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines, Dr. John Park, private practitioner in Flushing, New York, Dr. Antonio M. Gonzales, Chief of Strabismus Clinic, Harlem Hospital, attending Columbia New York Presbyterian Hospital, Dr. Jennine Cabanalles, Chief Resident at Columbia New York Presbyterian Hospital, Ms. Mary Murphy, CRNA, Ms. Vicky Arirao,CRNA, Ms. Benedicta Fonacier, CRNO, Ms. Ignatia Foti, RN, Ms. Reyna Concina, RN, Ms. Dianna De Jesus, COT, Mr. Gomer Gonzales, Oph. Asst., and Ms. Mary Russell, Community Service. The Ames home, previously a hospital converted to a mansion-like residence, hosted the group for breakfast. The Governor, Mayor and Monsignor hosted the evenings. Finally, at the conclusion of the mission, the patients were introduced to the local ophthalmologists and the team was treated to a day of barbecue, sun-bathing and swimming on a wonderful neighboring island and beach resort.

The Mission in Cabanatuan

 

Upon returning to Manila, the eye team was invited to a reception at a world-class Seafood Restaurant, the Via Mare. The second week was sponsored by the Philippine Medical Association in America, Dr. Archie Laano, President, Dr. Ed and Alma Alvarez, Chairpersons, and the Governor and Mayor of Cabanatuan. Dr. Lester Hosten, practitioner from Maryland, former resident at Harlem Hospital joined the team while Dr. John Park, Dr. Jennine Cabanalles, Ms. Mary Murphy, Ms. Ignatia Foti and Ms. Mary Russell went back to the United States. Dr. Jack Bautista returned to Manila to attend to other duties. Dr. Santiago Urmaza, practitioner from Long Island, New York and Pangasinan joined the team in Cabanatuan. He was accompanied by his wife and son who is a medical student. Arriving in Cabanatuan by bus, the team was lodged at the Village Inn, a Spanish architecture motel. Transportation to and from the hospital was provided by the Mayor in an open-air police van. Save Sight Missions team and Dr. Urmaza team shared patients and resources for the benefit of many indigent patients.

Cabanatuan City Hospital

Acknowledgements

Save Sight Missions accomplished its blindness prevention program with the support of Sukob Foundation. Wilson Misolas, RN, Mission coordinator, Noel Binza, RN, and Francis Hernandez,RN assisted the eye team.

The team returned to Manila on February 18, 2000. While in Manila Mrs. Nena Ilusorio hosted the Save Sight Missions team providing lodging at BSA Towers Condominium and transportation around metro Manila. The team also visited her estate in Antipolo, Rizal where a Geriatric Clinic is under construction. Construction plans were reviewed to accommodate eye surgery for the next mission on February 2001.

Medical supplies were suppplied by: Alcon, Allergan, Baush & Lomb, Becto-Dickinson, Ciba, Pharmacia & Upjohn, and Storz

CME and Donations

Before returning to the United States, the Save Sight Missions team participated in a CME conference at the University of Santo Tomas on February 19, 2000.

Dr. Linsy Farris lecture was “Update on Contact lenses”, and Dr. Antonio M. Gonzales lectured on “Adjustable Hang-back sutures in strabismus surgery”.

Surplus supplies were donated at Cabanatuan City Hospital and the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Santo Tomas.

Dipolog, Zamboanga Del Norte

                  Cataract surgery = 39

Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija

                 Cataract surgery = 16

                 Strabismus surgery = 1

Total number of cases = 56 procedures