Text and photos by Arimami Suryo Asmoro
Translated by Wu Hsiao-ting
When the bandages are lifted away at the follow-up visit, patients open their eyes to a renewed world.
A medical professional tests Slamet Budiono’s post-operative vision, asking, “How many fingers can you see?”
In 2023, 41-year-old Slamet Budiono, a security guard and father of two, began experiencing an eye problem. What started as the sensation of a foreign object in his right eye gradually worsened until he could see only light and shadow. “The ground seemed level when I walked, but I kept tripping,” he recalled.
The vision loss, caused by a cataract, affected more than just his sight—it also put his livelihood at risk. “I worried my company might not renew my contract,” he said. “At my age, finding a new job is difficult. I wanted to get treated, but if I had to save the money myself, I didn’t know how long it would take to afford the surgery.”
His chance came through a Tzu Chi free clinic event. Yet even as he rejoiced at the good news, he couldn’t help but feel a tinge of anxiety—after all, this would be his first surgery. “I kept thinking, what if it fails? What if I end up completely blind in my right eye instead?” he said.
Fortunately, while waiting for the procedure alongside other patients, Slamet found comfort in their shared experiences. “We encouraged one another,” he said. “We started as strangers, but it soon felt like I had gained new family and friends.”
His fears proved unfounded. The day after surgery, when the bandages on his right eye were removed, he exclaimed, “I could only see light before, but now I can see people! I’ll no longer fumble when inserting a key into a lock, and I can walk with more confidence!”
Watching patient after patient regain their sight, ophthalmologist Tri Agus Haryono said, “Helping those who cannot see to see again is the greatest joy in my medical practice.”
From July 19 to 20, Tzu Chi collaborated with the 5th Military Regional Command/Brawijaya to hold a free ophthalmology clinic at Brawijaya Level III Hospital in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia. Patients came from Surabaya, Sidoarjo, Gresik, and Bangkalan. This marked Tzu Chi Indonesia’s 149th large-scale free clinic event, providing surgery for 142 cataract patients and 19 pterygium patients.
Suparlan (right) undergoes pre-surgery screening ahead of the Tzu Chi clinic held on July 19–20 in Surabaya, Indonesia. Dok
Sight restored, hope reborn
Before this free clinic, 47-year-old Suparlan, a former construction worker, had been out of work for three years due to cataracts in both eyes. What troubled him most was being unable to provide for his ex-wife and children. Everyday life had become full of obstacles—he often bumped into things, sometimes injuring his nose. “Once, I was riding a motorbike with my mother and nearly crashed into a railing,” he recalled. “I stopped riding motorbikes after that and switched to a bicycle, but I still ran into things. In the end, I decided it was safer just to walk.”
Eager to regain his sight, he registered for two free clinic events but was turned away both times because of household registration issues. On July 12 this year, his sister Kaselin accompanied him to the pre-surgery screening for the Tzu Chi free clinic. Seeing many others fail to pass the examination made them anxious, but they were deeply impressed by the volunteers’ care. “We’re so grateful to Tzu Chi,” they said. “We waited from morning until evening, but were never hungry or thirsty. The volunteers were so kind, constantly checking to see if everyone had eaten.”
When Suparlan’s name was called and he received the yellow card confirming he had passed the screening, Kaselin was nearly in tears. “My brother can finally have surgery!” she said. “Our whole family’s hope rests here. We really want him to recover and be able to work again so he can take care of his family.”
Suparlan’s vision was still blurry and his steps unsteady after his surgery on July 19, but his joy was unmistakable. “The volunteers and doctors were so dedicated,” he remarked. “They helped not only me but so many other patients. I’m truly grateful.”
The real surprise came at the post-operative check the next day. When a nurse gently removed the bandages from his right eye and cleaned the area, Suparlan slowly opened his eyes to a clear, bright world. “It’s so bright!” he said with joy. “Even though I still haven’t found the glasses I wore to the event, I hardly need them anymore. I can see!”
Slamet Budiono (center) and other patients hold hands and encourage one another before their surgeries.
A single surgery, a new life
Sixty-three-year-old Reti said that the cataract in her left eye had plunged her world into darkness, with lights appearing like scattered bursts of fireworks. As a massage therapist, she could no longer recognize the clients who came to her. Achmad Hafit, a 46-year-old truck driver, also suffered from a cataract in his left eye and had to drive relying only on his right. Making left turns terrified him, and the blare of horns from behind often sent his heart racing.
For both, clear vision meant the ability to earn a living. That is what makes a free clinic event like Tzu Chi’s so valuable—it allows people like Reti and Achmad to continue supporting themselves and their families. Major General Rudy Saladin, commander of the 5th Military Regional Command, pointed out that cataracts are far from a minor ailment; they greatly affect a person’s quality of life, capacity to work, and social interactions. “Eye surgery can directly improve recipients’ lives by restoring their freedom of movement and independence,” he added. “We are deeply grateful to our partner, Tzu Chi.”
Fan Xiao-hui (范曉慧), head of Tzu Chi Surabaya, shared that this was their second collaboration with the Brawijaya Regional Military Command. “We’re thankful to the military hospital for opening its entire building to us, including the operating rooms,” she said. Seeing so many people come for the free clinic filled her with mixed emotions. “I’m glad Tzu Chi can help so many regain their sight,” she noted, “but it also weighs on my heart—there are still countless cataract patients across East Java waiting for help. I hope the Tzu Chi team in Surabaya can continue to grow stronger so we can hold even more free clinics.”
Seven volunteers from Jakarta flew to Surabaya to work alongside the local Tzu Chi International Medical Association team. Chen You-lin (陳柚霖), coordinator of the event, said, “I thank everyone for their hard work and willingness to lend a hand and share their knowledge. Seeing the patients’ surgeries succeed truly moved me.”
