A 58-year-old father, Digno Mostar, has regained his vision as the first recipient of a corneal transplant at the Bicol Region General Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center.
Mostar lost his right eye at the age of seven due to measles complications, leading to its removal. Despite undergoing a corneal transplant in Metro Manila in 2018, his vision in the remaining eye deteriorated by 2022 for unknown reasons.
Seeking assistance at the Bicol Region General Hospital, Mostar expressed hope for the transplant surgery, emphasizing the newfound possibility of improved vision.
The surgical procedure, led by Dr. Dominga Padilla, a cornea specialist and president of the Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines, occurred on the morning of June 20, 2024. The cornea used for the transplant was sourced from Manila.
Dr. Padilla highlighted the complexity of Mostar’s medical history, noting complications from previous surgeries, unremoved stitches, infections, and cataracts.
Following a successful two-hour surgery covered by PhilHealth, Mostar’s wife, Gloriosa Mostar, expressed relief and gratitude for the medical team’s efforts and the support received through the Malasakit Center.
In private hospitals, corneal transplants can incur costs of approximately P150,000, excluding post-operative care expenses.
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