By Marlina, Clarissa Ruth Octavianadya | Indonesia 

Ophthalmic nurse Five Sudarmanto Putro (center), who joined TIMA in 2008, expressed his pride in being part of the team, as it allows him to use his expertise to help many people through practical action. | Photo by Clarissa Ruth Octavianadya | Indonesia

Tzu Chi volunteers and the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) are dedicated to promoting health through acts of great love. In collaboration with the Cikarang Police Department in West Java Province, Tzu Chi Indonesia organized its 143rd free clinic at RS Sentra Medika Hospital in Cikarang from June 29 to 30, 2024. The clinic focuses on providing free cataract and pterygium surgeries to underprivileged individuals, offering them hope for restored vision and a better future. 

 

Rediscovering Independence 

Deden Efendi, 49, hopes to pass screening and qualify for surgery in following week's free clinic. | Photo by Clarissa Ruth Octavianadya | Indonesia 

On June 22, 2024, 180 patients underwent pre-screening for the clinic. Among them was 49-year-old Deden Efendi, a former construction worker who had been living with cataracts since 2016. As his vision deteriorated, Deden was forced to quit his job and rely on his son for financial support. With the clinic, he saw a chance to regain his independence and ease his son’s burden. After anxiously awaiting the screening results, Deden was relieved to learn he qualified for surgery the following week. 

Suherman, 66, hopes to receive surgery at the free clinic to restore his vision and return to work. | Photo by Marlina | Indonesia

Similarly, 66-year-old Suherman, a carpenter and father of seven, faced mounting difficulties as cataracts impacted his ability to work. His once-skilled hands now struggled with frequent injuries due to poor vision, forcing him to stop working. Learning about Tzu Chi’s clinic, Suherman hoped for a successful surgery that would allow him to return to work and support his family once more. 

Rocky Kambu, a security guard at RS Sentra Medika, received treatment during Tzu Chi's 2017 free clinic. Feeling confident in Tzu Chi, he eagerly looks forward to receiving help from Tzu Chi again. | Photo by Clarissa Ruth Octavianadya | Indonesia

Rocky Kambu, 60, was no stranger to Tzu Chi’s care. In 2017, he underwent cataract surgery on his right eye through the free clinic. Now, with his left eye affected, he eagerly awaited the opportunity for another procedure. Grateful for Tzu Chi's continued care, Rocky admired the volunteers' dedication and great love. “I plan to join Tzu Chi as a volunteer when I retire,” he said. “Though I may not have much to give financially, I can offer my heart and help others.”  

 

Healing Through Compassion 

Nurse Weni from TIMA explains important screening details to the patients. | Photo by Marlina | Indonesia 

The screening brought a renewed sense of hope for 58-year-old Rubiatiyem, a housekeeper battling glaucoma and cataracts since 2004. Encouraged by her employer, Tzu Chi volunteer Lina Tang, Rubi reluctantly attended the pre-screening despite her reservations. To her surprise, she passed and was scheduled for surgery, leaving her filled with gratitude. “I thank Lina and Tzu Chi for their kindness,” Rubi said, “and I pray that my vision will be restored so I can continue working with ease.” 

Volunteer Lina Tang (far left), who is in charge of the pre-screening activity, has long considered her housekeeper, Rubiatiyem (second from left) as part of her family. Everyone was happy and grateful that Rubi, who suffers from glaucoma and cataracts, passed the screening to get surgery in following week's free clinic. | Photo by Clarissa Ruth Octavianadya | Indonesia 

Beyond offering medical aid, Tzu Chi's free clinics cultivate a cycle of kindness and compassion. Lina Tang, who has been with Tzu Chi since 2017, embraces the foundation’s spirit of helping others. Overseeing the pre-screening process, she finds joy in extending compassion to those in need, making it her mission to support the underprivileged. 

 

Expertise in Service of the Needy  

The TIMA medical team played a pivotal role in the success of the screening. Ophthalmic nurse Five Sudarmanto Putro noted that cataracts are a common yet debilitating condition in Indonesia. Being part of TIMA, Five expressed pride in using his medical expertise to bring about real change in patients’ lives. “Seeing someone regain their sight is emotional and deeply rewarding,” he shared. “It reignites my passion for service.” 

In total, 98 patients passed the pre-screening and awaited their surgeries. Through these efforts, many will regain their vision, return to work, and reclaim their independence and dignity. 

TIMA medical staff warmly interact with patients during check-ups to ease their anxiety. | Photo by Clarissa Ruth Octavianadya | Indonesia 

Lasting Impact 

For patients and volunteers alike, Tzu Chi’s free clinic offers more than medical care—it creates lasting bonds. Rocky’s desire to become a Tzu Chi volunteer is a testament to the foundation’s enduring influence. For Lina, helping Rubi deepened her appreciation for the power of compassion, and her family now considers Rubi and her husband part of their own. 

Medical staff conduct preliminary examinations for the patients. | Photo by Marlina | Indonesia 

Ultimately, the spirit of great love transcends all barriers, bringing healing and hope to the underserved. Tzu Chi’s free clinics not only restore sight but also renew patients’ self-worth and connect them to a caring community. For everyone involved, the clinic serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of kindness. 

Tzu Chi's free clinic at RS Sentra Medika Hospital continues to demonstrate the foundation’s commitment to uplifting those in need. Through cataract and pterygium surgeries, underprivileged individuals are given a second chance at life, empowered to rebuild their futures and inspire others with their stories of resilience and compassion.