Written by: Victoria Paranavithana  

A Return to Pathakada: Beyond Flood Relief

Just a month after the floodwaters receded in Pathakada, the spirit of compassion returned with the Tzu Chi volunteers. This time, their mission extended beyond delivering relief supplies. They sought to restore a sense of well-being, one clear vision at a time. Recognizing that many in these low-income families often neglect essential eye care, Tzu Chi organized an eye screening camp for the villagers on the auspicious Poya Day, July 20th, 2024.

Pathakada School prefects who assisted the Tzu Chi Youths in today's Eye screening | Photo courtesy of | Victoria | Sri Lanka | 2024/07/20

A Community United: Preparing for a Brighter Day

The day was a heartwarming display of unity. The school principal, teachers, parents, students, and devoted villagers all came together to prepare the venue, transforming the school hall and its surroundings into a welcoming space. Their generosity didn’t stop there. As a token of gratitude, the villagers prepared a vegetarian feast for the volunteers and a comforting porridge for those waiting for their screenings. Serving vegetarian meals also reflected Tzu Chi’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

LEFT: Dinithi, Grade 11 student of Pathakada helped in serving the porridge at the waiting area | Photo courtesy of Arosha | Sri Lanka | 2024/07/20 ‌ ‌RIGHT: Tzu Chi volunteers having breakfast before the eye screening | Photo courtesy of Victoria | Sri Lanka | 2024/07/20

Mr. Mahesh, President of the Village Society, expressed his gratitude, saying, "This is the second program we've partnered on with the Tzu Chi Foundation. Over the past few months, we've witnessed how much Tzu Chi has helped the people of Pathakada, especially after the recent floods. They distributed dry rations to two villages, which was incredibly helpful. Tzu Chi is a truly humble organization, and our community wishes Master Cheng Yen a long life and good health."

Mahesh, President of the Village Society during interview. | Photo courtesy of Arosha | Sri Lanka | 2024/07/20
The village volunteers during a group photo thanking Tzu Chi. | Photo courtesy of Arosha | Sri Lanka | 2024/07/20

Collaboration for Comprehensive Care

The eye screening team was led by Dr. Asela, an ophthalmologist from Colombo South Teaching Hospital and a dedicated member of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA). Dr. Asela, who had participated in the 2023 TIMA camp with Dr. Isaac, a retired Regional Director of Health Services from Kalutara District, brought valuable experience from their medical missions across Sri Lanka. Their combined expertise, along with the support of two intern optometrists from Sri Jayawardenapura University and a dedicated team of Tzu Chi and local volunteers, made the eye screening camp a resounding success.

LEFT: Dr. Asela and Dr. Isaac sharing their expertise during the eye screening | Photo courtesy of Arosha | Sri Lanka | 2024/07/20‌ ‌RIGHT: Intern Optometrists from Sri Jayawardenapura University joined the eye screening. | Photo courtesy of Arosha | Sri Lanka | 2024/07/20

418 Eyes Screened, Hope Restored

By the end of the day, 418 villagers had their eyes screened. Many received reading glasses on the spot, allowing them to see the world around them with renewed clarity. For those who needed prescription glasses, Tzu Chi will ensure they are made and delivered at a later date. However, with the cost of these spectacles ranging from Rs. 6,000 (about 20 USD) to Rs. 10,000 (about 33 USD) per pair, this expense can be a significant burden for many in the community.

LEFT: Abilashi (right) and Fathima a 3rd year student of Optometry at Sri Jayawardenapura University | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation | Sri Lanka | 2024/07/20‌ ‌RIGHT: A villager receiving reading glasses on the spot a youth volunteer helps if the prescribed measurement and glasses fits. | Photo courtesy of Arosha | Sri Lanka | 2024/07/20

Perhaps the most significant finding was the identification of 128 individuals with cataracts. Access to cataract surgery is a major challenge for these villagers. The waiting period for surgery at government hospitals can be up to one to two years, while private hospitals charge Rs. 60,000 (around USD 200) for the procedure—a cost that is prohibitive for most. With their unwavering commitment to care, Tzu Chi will arrange for their cataract surgeries soon.

Inspiring Hope and Resilience: The AGE Bank Concept

Tzu Chi volunteers also introduced the "AGE Bank" concept, a philosophy championed by Master Cheng Yen. This concept encourages the elderly to contribute to society in meaningful ways, even in their later years. The AGE Bank metaphor suggests that individuals can "deposit" 50 years of their life, making a 70-year-old feel as vibrant as a 20-year-old. This empowers the elderly to envision a second life filled with purpose and contribution. By sharing stories of elderly volunteers who have made a positive impact, Tzu Chi aimed to inspire hope and resilience among the villagers.

A Tzu Chi commissioner sharing the AGE Bank concept to the villagers. | Photo courtesy of Victoria | Sri Lanka | 2024/07/20

Mrs. Priyadarshani, the Principal of Pathakada School, expressed her gratitude, saying, "Today Tzu Chi Foundation organized an Eye Camp for Pathakada Village. 418 people are checked for eyes, many people receive spectacles, and 128 people are selected for cataract surgeries. As principal of Pathakada school, I am very grateful for Tzu Chi Foundation for this great help for needy people in our area."

Mrs. Priyadarshani, Pathakada School Principal during her interview. | Photo courtesy of Hiruni | Sri Lanka | 2024/07/20

More Than Just Sight: Sowing Seeds of Compassion

The story of Pathakada goes beyond flood relief; it’s a testament to the enduring power of human connection. Tzu Chi volunteers didn’t just aid—they nurtured a sense of shared purpose. In return, the villagers opened their hearts and homes, making the volunteers feel like part of their extended family.

Most importantly, seeds of volunteerism have been planted in Pathakada. These "new seeds," as Tzu Chi calls them, represent hope for a future filled with compassion and care. By nurturing these seeds, Tzu Chi aims to spread the Dharma—the universal truth of kindness—and reach even more people in need.

Group photo of volunteers after the successful eye screening. | Photo courtesy of Victoria | Sri Lanka | 2024/07/20

A Look to the Future: Inspired by Kindness

This eye screening camp wasn’t just about correcting blurry vision; it was about restoring hope, one grateful smile and one clear look at the future at a time. It’s a story that inspires us to embrace the spirit of giving and light the way for others, just as Tzu Chi has done for the villagers of Pathakada.