OPTICALPRISM | FEATURE
All aboard The Eye Train
BY DENIS LANGLOIS
Canadian eye care professionals have played a pivotal role in ensuring orphans , school children and other vulnerable people in the Philippines have access to potentially life-changing vision care .
Two derelict railway cars have been transformed into a full-service SPECS Eye Train clinic thanks to the efforts of Canadians , who have donated time , money , equipment and eyewear for the clinic in the country ’ s capital of Manila .
So far , more than 80,000 people have received vision care aboard the SPECS Eye Train .
The " Eye " Train optical clinic in Manila , Philippines .
Patients of The " Eye " Train hold up messages of thanks to the SPECS Foundation and Canadian Vision Care for the facility .
“ It is with donations of equipment , frames and volunteer time that assists SPECS in doing such a wonderful job of eye care in the Philippines ,” says Dr . Allan Jones of Canadian Vision Care , a non-profit organization made up of Canadian eye care professionals .
About 55 Canadian volunteers have helped with The Eye Train project over the years .
In June alone , The Eye Train served 210 patients and provided free eyeglasses to 82 people .
It was New Brunswick optometrist Dr . Pasqualino Marcantonio , along with Filippino businesswoman Nica Roma , who founded the Special Philippine Eye Care Solutions ( SPECS ) Foundation , the operating charity that now runs The Eye Train .
The organization converted the first railway car into the clinic in June 2013 .
About a year-and-a-half later , Canadian Vision Care , with donations from Alberta optometrists , purchased a second dilapidated train car and converted it for the SPECS Eye Train .
Canadian ECPs also collect glasses from coast to coast to help stock the clinics , while donations from Canadians to Optometry Giving Sight have helped to fund training , screenings and equipment purchases .
In June alone , The Eye Train served 210 patients and provided free eyeglasses to 82 people .
Most of those served in June were from Bantay Bata 163 , a child welfare program that provides support to disadvantaged and at-risk children through a network of social services in the Philippines .
“ I know even though we can ’ t see their smile behind the face mask , their heart is full of gratitude to the SPECS Foundation , Canadian Vision Care and Op-
32 OPTICALPRISM | August Digital 2021