SERANG CITY, BANTEN — In an effort to reduce the incidence of blindness in Banten Province, Achmad Wardi Eye Hospital is committed to contributing to a free cataract surgery social service program for residents of the remote Baduy tribe and Ujung Kulon. This social service initiative is in collaboration with Sahabat Relawan Indonesia, the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) Serang Branch, and PERDAMI, on Tuesday, August 23, 2022.
Prior to the social service event, early eye examinations were conducted by the Serang Branch of the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI), Sahabat Relawan Indonesia, and RSAW at several locations, including the Nagerang Baduy Selatan Health Post, the Bojong Menteng Baduy Utara Health Post, Margaluyu Leuwidamar Village, and Ujung Kulon.
Individuals with vision impairments, such as blurred vision, will be referred for further examination at RSAW, and cataract surgery will be performed if necessary. This social service initiative received a positive response from the community. Eye health issues faced by the Baduy and Ujung Kulon communities require immediate attention.
For instance, Aswati from Air Jeruk Village, Ujung Kulon, who has suffered from cataracts for a long time and cannot afford treatment, especially due to the long distance and high costs involved. “When I want to read the Quran, it’s unclear and blurry, so I need a flashlight to help me,” said Aswati.
“This free cataract surgery social service activity is a collaboration between many parties, and I received information from the Serang branch of the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) and was assisted by Sahabat Relawan Indonesia, who conducted direct screenings in Baduy and Ujung Kulon. Hopefully, this collaboration will be effective and on target,” said Dr. Moch. Badrus Sholeh, M.Kes, director of the Achmad Wardi BWI-DD Eye Hospital.
A total of 30 cataract surgeries will be performed, including 17 residents from Baduy and 13 from Ujung Kulon. One of the patients is Mr. Caisin, a 55-year-old man from the Baduy Luar tribe who suffers from vision impairment, making it difficult for him to see clearly. He often needs assistance from his children to walk.
“The benefits of this Waqf Hospital are a clear proof that anyone can access eye care services, whether they can afford it or not. We strive to provide the best possible care for everyone,” added Badrus Sholeh.
Dr. Eling Andayani, as the representative of the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) Branch in Serang, also expressed appreciation for this initiative. According to her, this is a concrete action in providing free healthcare access to the community, particularly eye care. She also extended her gratitude for the extraordinary attention given to the community, especially the Baduy tribe and Ujung Kulon.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to RSAW, the eye doctors, and the Indonesian Volunteer Friends who have assisted the community in Baduy and Ujung Kulon in undergoing free cataract surgery. This is a concrete action demonstrating that sacrifice does not go to waste. Let this act of kindness be something that will benefit us in the future,” said Dr. Eling Andayani, representative of the Serang Branch of the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI).
RS Mata Achmad Wardi is the world’s first eye hospital based on waqf. The specialized eye hospital was established by the Indonesian Waqf Board (BWI) in collaboration with Dompet Dhuafa (DD) in Serang City, Banten. The hospital is named Rumah Sakit Mata Achmad Wardi BWI-DD. May this free cataract surgery social service activity bring immeasurable benefits to the people of Indonesia in general and specifically in Banten. #FromRSAWforIndonesia. (Dompet Dhuafa/RSAW/Arlen)