Philippines

See the Philippines' Annual Report

Visual impairment affects 2.1 million Filipinos, 43% of which is due to needing glasses, while 34% is due to cataracts. Because the country comprises more than 7,000 remote, agricultural islands, providing accessible and affordable visual health services is extremely difficult.

CharityVision works through the Filipino-led organization Mabuhay Deseret Foundation. Mabuhay was originally part of CharityVision but has since grown into a 30-person staff performing eye screenings around the country and housing patients who cannot afford to stay in town for surgery.

- Mabuhay Deseret Foundation

Our Partners

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Current Projects

Changing 100 Lives at a Time

Recently, Mabuhay Deseret Foundation led a successful cataract surgery mission in Zambales, restoring sight to 105 individuals through expert surgical teams and community coordination Find Local Businesses . This outreach exemplifies their dedication to serving remote communities, offering essential eye care where access is limited.
Nationwide Eyecare

As part of its ongoing efforts, the Foundation conducts regular eye screenings and vision outreach programs across the Philippines. They also provide recuperative care housing for patients who cannot afford to stay in town for surgery, ensuring follow-up and recovery support
Building on Success

Building on past successes, Mabuhay Deseret Foundation continues scaling its surgical reach with robust partnerships and infrastructure. Through over 50 partner hospitals and clinics and three recuperative care houses, it consistently facilitates thousands of life-changing surgeries—including eye surgeries—each year.

See their website

Our Team

Stephen Casio

“Working as Director for CharityVision Uganda allows me to see the beautiful smiles of my people regain sight and hope after a long time of blindness. Thanks to CharityVision, we can help those with curable blindness.”

The Philippines’
Annual
Report 2025

GLASSES DONATED:
13,757

OUTREACHES:
161

PATIENTS SCREENED:
140,500

SURGERIES PERFORMED:
5,713

See all annual reports here.

See All Annual Reports

Stories from the field

Paying it Forward

Ana has had crossed eyes her whole life. She works as a cake decorator at a local bakery. She said, “I’ve always wanted to find a job with a better income, but am constantly rejected because of my eyes— even after acing the interviews...” Her uncle encouraged her to attend an eye screening at Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, hoping Ana's eyes would finally be fixed. With help, Ana’s visit Manila was arranged and underwent the two surgeries needed to restore her vision.
After her surgery, Ana earned her Bachelor's in Legal Management and now pays it forward by assisting other eye patients in her community’s OR. She's our inspiration! 👏
Sight for a Vision to Help

Merita is a Barangay Health Worker in Brgy. San Jose, Coron for over 25 years. She is an advocate for agriculture and nutrition in their community. She helps gather the weight of the kids, those who are malnourished/underweight, and implements feeding programs in their area. But over time, as her vision got poorer due to cataracts she slowed down doing her normal activities as sometimes it got more difficult for her to do her tasks.
She is very grateful to MDF now that her vision has been restored through cataract surgery!
A Brighter Future Through Clearer Vision

A resilient young girl named Princess, lives in a makeshift house within one of the cemetery's sanctuaries. Her home, surrounded by the resting places of many, reflects her family's struggle and strength. Despite the challenges of her environment and lack of vision, Princess has always been determined to pursue her education. For Princess, the eyeglasses were not just a tool for better vision; they were a symbol of hope and a brighter future. The ability to see clearly empowered her to continue her education with renewed vigor and determination. Her story is a testament to the profound impact that compassionate healthcare initiatives can have on the lives of those who need them most.
He Lost an Eye, but Not His Vision

At just 6, Marcky Prince Santos lost the left eye to cancer (Retinoblastoma) in 2023. Despite this life-changing event, he continues to enjoy the simple joys of childhood like playing Minecraft, Roblox, and watching YouTube videos. Now with a prosthetic eye from Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, he dreams of helping others with similar eye conditions as an ophthalmologist. Good luck, Marcky!