A six-day medical vision mission was conducted in seven barangays in Bago City, Negros Occidental, by the United States-based EyeCare WeCare Foundation, recently, a press release from the group said yesterday.

About 700 indigents from barangays Ma-ao, Ilijan, Binubuhan, Mailum, Atipuluhan, Alianza and Don Jorge Araneta were benefited by the medical mission, which included free eye examination and medication.

The team was led by optometrist James Weyrich and assisted by eight Filipino volunteers.

The foundation held its first medical mission for about 300 indigent residents, in July last year, the press release said. It also shipped to the Philippines a 20-foot container with optical-medical equipment and used eyeglasses from the US in August, 2004.

The group announced in the press release that it also plans to build its first optical laboratory in the country to manufacture glasses for indigents whose prescriptions are not found in the donated eyeglasses supplies, the press release also said.

Funds will also be raised by the foundation to obtain a mobile medical-vision clinic van in order to reach the remote barangays and areas in the Philippines.

Weyrich said he believes that making the poor people see better would help them become motivated in improving their life, the press release added.*

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