Child with visual impairment undergoes checkup with help from GMA Kapuso Foundation

A five-year-old kinder student from Gainza, Camarines Sur, whose debilitating vision problems hinder her ability to participate in school activities, received help from GMA Kapuso Foundation.

According to “24 Oras” Friday, Ella struggles greatly when reading and writing, often having to press her eyes almost against the paper just to see the letters despite already wearing glasses.

"May pangarap ‘yung bata, lahat ng activities, lahat ng gusto niyang salihan pero hindi niya magawa kasi nga ito ‘yung mata niya," Ella’s teacher, Elsie San Buenaventura Sarcilla, said.

Ella’s dad, Jesthony Baranda, already noticed her condition when she was born. 

"Magalaw, gumagalaw siya, ‘pag tumitingin po siya, tutok po siyang tumingin," he said.

While her condition had been previously checked in Albay, surgery proved impossible for the family. As a farmer, Jesthony earns about P400 daily, an income insufficient to cover the necessary operation.

Ella's condition was noticed by GMA Kapuso Foundation during a Give a Gift, Feed a Child project in Gainza.

She was taken to a pediatric ophthalmologist of Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Philippines for a medical checkup as part of the foundation's cataract surgery project.

GMA Kapuso Foundation was advised to refer Ella to another hospital for further examination.

"Meron siyang congenital na naging problema sa anterior segment ng mata niya. Bubuksan muna natin tapos malalaman natin what's inside, kung meron siyang cataract," pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Catherine Macaraig said.

Before surgery, Ella must undergo optical biometry.

"Sana po maging okay na ang mata ko at makasulat na po nang maayos at makabasa na po," said Ella. 

For those who wish to support GMA Kapuso Foundation's projects, donations may be made via Metrobank, Land Bank, BDO, Bank of Commerce, UnionBank, PNB, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Lazada, and Shopee. Visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website for more information.

—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News