Gwangju Urban Railway Corporation and Shinsegae Eye Clinic Sign MOU for Free Cataract Surgery for Low-Income Groups

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Gwangju Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation (President Yoon Jinbo) and Shinsegae Eye Clinic (Chief Director Kim Jaebong) have signed an agreement to provide free cataract surgery for vulnerable groups and decided to support the initiative.

According to the agreement, low-income individuals who suffer from eye diseases and have difficulties in daily life but cannot afford surgery costs will be able to receive free cataract surgery.

This is expected to be a refreshing piece of news for vulnerable groups who have neglected their health during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

The Rapid Transit Corporation will find and recommend candidates in cooperation with administrative welfare centers near Gwangju Metro stations such as Jiwon 2-dong, Yang-dong, and Songjeong 1-dong, and Shinsegae Eye Clinic plans to conduct detailed examinations and perform free surgeries for the selected candidates.

Since 2015, the corporation and Shinsegae Eye Clinic have established the ‘Stairs of Love for Health’ at Exit 4 of Sangmu Station on the Gwangju Metro, delivering a total of about 35 million KRW in funds and about 6 million KRW worth of eye health checkup vouchers to socially disadvantaged individuals.

Additionally, both organizations promote the use of public transportation and walking through the Stairs of Love for Health, encouraging citizens to manage their health in daily life.

President Yoon Jinbo said, “I am grateful to Shinsegae Eye Clinic for willingly providing free surgeries to realize a happy community,” and added, “We will strive harder to implement the Gwangju Metro that carries citizens’ health and happiness.”

Chief Director Kim Jaebong of Shinsegae Eye Clinic stated, “We planned this volunteer service hoping that no one loses their precious health due to economic difficulties,” and said, “We will continue to carry out various sharing activities together with Gwangju Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation.”