UGM conducts free cataract eye surgery for residents throughout Java. Until the registration was closed, the number of participants reached 215. The patients came from various areas, such as Klaten, Sukoharjo, Magelang, Wonosobo, Indramayu, Cilacap, Temanggung, Banjarnegara, Madiun, Pacitan and Jakarta.
“The enthusiasm is high. We hope to continue this activity as a routine agenda at UGM.” said Widodo Usman., M.Sc., one of UGM’s anniversary committee.
The head of UGM’s anniversary committee, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ali Agus, DAA, DEA, said that the idea of free cataract eye surgery was inspired by his awareness of enjoying the sights of the world. He can not imagine if his vision was not well, he will not be able to enjoy the beauty of the world.
“If it’s dark, how could we enjoy the world? Being able to see the beauty of the world is a blessing. For that reason, we try to share this blessing by conducting free cataract eye surgery so that people who are unable to see could,” Ali explained.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Suharjo, Sp. M, representative from Perdami (Indonesian Opthalmologists Association) said that this cataract eye surgery was one of effort to decrease poverty. By having their visions normalised, people could go back to work. There were 66 people coming to have the free surgery.
“This event was adjusted to the 66th UGM anniversary. Patients who didn’t get a chance to have an operation today will be handled later on December 6th, 2015 in Puri Husada Suhardjo Hospital. We wish to continue this activity because it clearly shows that many people suffer from cataract but have no adequate fund for medication.”
The free surgery involved 20 doctors. (Humas UGM/Adel)