fig: Registration of people affected by cataract

As a part of its social service activities aimed at serving the underprivileged, we conduct monthly eye camps. These camps are aimed at preventing avoidable blindness caused due to cataract. Cataract, affecting the vision of the aged, makes them dependent. A simple operation, giving them back their vision also restores to them their independence and dignity.

These camps called ‘Free Cataract screening and Eye Operation Camps’ are conducted monthly at the Mission premises. Surgeons and paramedics screen the patients and identify those needing cataract surgeries. Patients selected for surgery are taken to the hospital and operated on the next day. Patients are discharged a day after surgery after necessary post-operative treatment. Patients are again rendered post-operative treatment as and when necessary.

fig: Screening of patients (left) & view of the patients after the cataract operation (right)

The operation, stay at the hospital, food and medicines – all these are offered free of cost to the patients. These camps are run in cooperation with a renowned hospital in Belgaum – KLES Prabhakara Kore Hospital.

To render this service more effectively and reach a wider population, the Mission is building an Eye Hospital of its own. The Hospital, presently under construction, will have facilities to conduct screening camps as also perform surgeries. Surgeries to be performed will be suture-less with IOL implants. Patients will be discharged on the same day of surgery. As with present Eye Camps, the surgeries will be free of cost to the patients. Eminent ophthalmologists of Belgaum city have offered their services to this noble cause.

Presented below are the statistics of the camps conducted so far:

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