THE BACKGROUND 

Cataract is responsible for 66.2% of the prevalence (main cause) of total blindness in the country, and it can be treated or cured by simple surgery. The National Control Program for Blindness and Visual Impairments (NCPB&VI) has progressed greatly in the field of eye care, which is available at the district or sub-divisional hospital level. But the lack of awareness of eye health and the increasing backlog of cataract surgeries are difficult hurdles to overcome easily. 

In metropolitan areas, cataract surgeries for those who can afford them typically range from INR 30,000 to INR 60,000, depending on the complexity of the cases and the use of local or imported lenses. However, for marginalized and rural communities, the available options include government schemes and initiatives led by local eye hospitals that offer free cataract surgeries. Despite government efforts to address the backlog of cataract surgeries and reduce blindness, the challenge persists due to a gap between demand and supply for these services. Recognizing this issue, Operation Eyesight, in partnership with its partner eye hospitals, is committed to supporting government initiatives by offering these surgeries at a greatly reduced cost of INR 3,200. 

This highlights the pressing need to raise just INR 3,200 per surgery to bestow the invaluable Gift of Sight.

The money raised will be used to provide cataract surgeries for vulnerable seniors (usually 65+ years) in and around Hyderabad, Secunderabad, and Warangal districts.

Your contribution of just INR 3200 can bring the precious gift of sight to 1 elderly person.

WHAT IS CATARACT?

As we age, the lenses in our eyes become cloudy and cause poor vision and blindness if not treated. This is very common among those who are 65+ years old.  

CASE STUDY OF A CATARACT SURGERY

ABOUT ME

My name is Prerna Ans. I am 16 and in Grade 11 at the Chirec International School (CBSE), Hyderabad, Telangana.

Cataracts, a clouding of the eye lens, affect many of us as we age, casting a veil over the vibrant tapestry of life. But this doesn't have to be our fate.

Imagine, struggling to recognize faces, stumbling over obstacles, the vibrant world becoming hazy and dim—the independence, the joy of everyday activities, slowly slipping away. Cataract surgery offers a beacon of hope in this fog. It is a safe, effective, and often remarkably quick procedure that can restore precious vision.

Think of the grandmother who can finally read bedtime stories to her grandchildren without squinting. Imagine the grandfather reliving old photographs, a tear of joy glistening in his now-clear eyes. These are not just stories; they are the essence of living a full, enriched life.

Cataract surgery isn't just about regaining sight; it's about reclaiming independence, confidence, and connection. It can improve mental well-being and reduce the risk of falls and accidents. It's a chance to rediscover the world, reconnect with loved ones, and embrace the joys that were obscured by blurry vision.

I understand concerns about age and surgery. However, advancements have made cataract surgery incredibly safe and efficient. Millions have undergone it successfully, regaining a world of color and clarity.

If you, or someone you love, is experiencing vision loss, please don't let fear cloud your judgment. Talk to your doctor, get informed, and consider the gift of cataract surgery. It's not just about seeing again; it's about living again.

Let's shed the cataracts of doubt and open our eyes to a brighter future. Let's give ourselves and our elders the gift of sight, the gift of independence, the gift of experiencing life in all its vivid glory. Together, let's see the world anew.

LOCATION

LIST OF BENEFICIARY LOCATIONS

THE HOSPITALS WHERE THE SURGERIES WOULD BE DONE

There are 5 hospitals where these surgeries would be done. 

ABOUT OPERATION EYESIGHT UNIVERSAL

Operation Eyesight India is a non-governmental organization with its head office in Hyderabad. It is part of Operation Eyesight Universal based in Canada, an international development organization working since 1963 to strengthen healthcare delivery systems in countries in Africa and South Asia. We partner with governments, NGOs, and private charitable healthcare providers to deliver quality eye care services, empower the target communities, and eliminate avoidable blindness on a sustainable basis. All these are being done with the help of donations from people like you, and support from service clubs, foundations, and corporations. 

Declaring villages avoidable blindness-free is the pinnacle of Operation Eyesight’s work. We train local women to become community health workers. They go door-to-door in each village, screening people for eye health problems and referring patients to an eye clinic or hospital for treatment. They ensure that every member of their community is free from blindness that can be avoided. Operation Eyesight is committed to aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. 

TAX BENEFITS

By funding this campaign, you are eligible for tax breaks as Operations Eyesight is a registered NGO & you can avail of benefits under section 80G of the IT Act. Foreign funding is not accepted.

FEEDBACK FORMAT THAT YOU GET

To ensure that there is complete transparency I shall get a report from the hospital (this takes between 1 to 3 months usually after the funds are raised and transferred to them) telling me who benefitted from the funding. The details will then be posted on the UPDATES section of my campaign and will be in a format like the one below. As soon as an update is posted, the platform will send an SMS and EMAIL alert to all the funders - i.e. to you. Click on the link on the email and you can read about which person has benefitted. That's transparent, right?

The below image is an example of the FEEDBACK FORMAT that we will share with all my funders.