Globally, uncorrected refractive errors are a major cause of low vision and blindness. It is estimated that 8 million people are blind and 145 million have low vision because of a lack of adequate refractive correction. Refractive error would become the second largest cause of treatable blindness after cataract.
Keeping the severity of the issue in mind, on 7th April 2019, a free eye check-up camp was organized by the Deesha Education Foundation and Deesha Eye Banks at Takarkheda Shambhu Village of Amravati District in Maharashtra State, India.
The camp was inaugurated by a senior eye specialist, Dr. Satish Deshmukh in the esteem presence of Mr. Yogesh Deshmukh (Camp Organizer), Sarpanch, and Rural Development Officer Grampanchyat. Deesha Team Members, Dr. Mousmi Deshmukh, Mr. Ankush Ambadkar, Prof Milind Mohod, Mr. Saurabh Wankhade were present during the eye checkup camp.
The prime purpose of conducting eye checkup camps was to provide high quality, and low-cost eye care service to the rural population at their doorsteps. Deesha's Mobile Eye Care Unit made the dream of affordable, accessible, quality, and sustainable eye care to remote and rural areas. A total of 175 patients was examined for refractive errors and 6 were shortlisted for cataract surgery. Dr. Mousmi Deshmukh also sensitive people about eye and organ donation through her awareness talk. Around 82 people pledge for eye donation.
The Organizer Mr. Yogesh Deshmukh also distributed medicines to needy patients. Free lenses and spectacles were also given to some patients with refractive errors.
”Such initiatives are helpful for poor people like me who cannot afford expensive procedures and medicines. The doctor at the camp assured me of a free surgery after which I will be able to see properly,” said Nirmala Kandalkar (70).
Camps for eye checkups were organized in remote/rural areas of identified districts/towns so that patients do not have to bear the cost of hospital visits.