Silvio Velez, 31 years old, a native of the Calceta Canton in the Province of Manabi had a normal and happy life and lived from his work which allowed him to upkeep his home. This whole scene turned dismal when he was diagnosed with a torn retina and cataracts in his left eye.
On arriving to Day Care at the Luis Vernaza Hospital, belonging to La Junta de Beneficencia de Guayaquil, he was derived to a series of tests which diagnosed the need for surgery to install a valve in his left eye in order to control intraocular pressure and therefore avoid total blindness.
"My savings ran out, whereby I approached the Social Work Department and found the help I needed," said Silvio in reference to the agreement and the interest shown by personnel regarding analysis of his case and which led to benefits from cost-free treatment.
In this way, Silvio forged ahead together with the Social Work Department and all costs relating to treatment such as surgery, tests and medicine became a part of those in a sizable list of patients who receive free health coverage from La Junta de Beneficencia de Guayaquil.
"I feel relief in my eyes, no longer heavy and tense. The doctors have told me I am evolving successfully. Later I will undergo surgery for cataracts to improve my eyesight," says this young father who, thanks to solidarity and his faith is hopeful of seeing clear, sunny days, enjoying the green country fields and colorful flowers with his son and above all, continue to work to sustain his family.
For now, he wears shades to protect him from the sun arriving from his native Calceta with a backpack to the Hospital Luis Vernaza, belonging to La Junta de Beneficencia de Guayaquil, to comply faithfully with treatment that will restore vision to one of his eyes.
Light is gradually returning to Silvio's life. "I feel grateful to God, La Junta de Beneficencia, the doctors, Social work and all those who make it possible for people of scarce means, like myself, to regain our health", he said.
