Clinic’s vision for hope

By MELISSA MEEHAN
A VISIT by a Endeavour Hills based church group could change one man’s life for the better, preventing a birth defect from causing him pain and blindness.
This week Venanicio Betarmos, known as Jun Jun, arrived from the Philippines to have much needed surgery on his left eye.
Jun Jun works with more than 120 children each week in the poorer and slum areas of Davao, in the southern Philippines, as part of his work as a church pastor.
Jun Jun has never had the finance available to see a doctor about his condition.
He came to the attention of Marlene Foo, the director of nursing at the Dandenong Eye Clinic, during her visit to the country with a team from South Eastern Christian Centre in May last year.
She met Jun Jun, who explained that the growing birth defect, was not only painful but affecting his vision.
Upon hearing news of Jun Jun’s plight Dandenong Eye Clinic plastic surgeon Dr Roger Davies and anaesthetist Dr Darrel McNeil agreed to operate on him for free.
Owner of the clinic Dr Robery Lazell not only offered the clinic’s facilities but also sponsored Jun Jun’s visit.
Speaking on behalf of the South East Christian Centre, Kathy Ashdown said the centre has actively involved in assisting workers in the Philippines like Jun Jun since 1990.
“This has involved training, support for children’s schooling, and aiding feeding programs which all transform communities,” she said.
“It was a long process for Jun Jun to get his passport and medical visa, but finally this was granted in June 2012 and his operation will take place over the next few days.”
The Star will follow Jun Jun’s recovery after his surgery.