01-07-2021 - 31-05-2022

The population of ‘vision challenged’ people in India is about 15 million out of which, 80% (or about 12 million) are cases of “Avoidable or Correctable Blindness”. Such cases can be managed and treated through appropriate interventions. Under the category of “Avoidable Blindness”, about 63% patients have Cataract. A significant proportion of Avoidable Blindness cases are from the economically weaker sections of society from rural areas. Cataract being the major cause of blindness, its surgical removal and implantation of an Intra-Ocular Lens will restore sight to patients suffering cataract related blindness, thereby reducing the cases of “Avoidable Blindness” by significant numbers. This project aims to work towards reduction of cases of “Avoidable Blindness”. This will be achieved by Sponsoring around 3125 cataract surgeries for people from the economically weaker sections of society in and around Pune district. The surgeries will be carried out at The Poona Blind Men Association's H.V. Desai Eye Hospital, Pune which is already engaged in carrying out ‘free of cost’ and subsidized cataract surgeries, particularly of poor and needy patients. The hospital will conduct cataract surgeries at a negotiated fixed price of Rs 3,000 per surgery which includes preoperative test, post-operative care, and follow up visits. It also covers the cost of hospital stay and food for the patients. The entire cost is funded from donations. The beneficiaries do not have to pay for the treatment.

Project Details

Start Date 01-07-2021
End Date 31-05-2022
Project Cost 9442730
Rotary Volunteer Hours 500
No of direct Beneficiaries 3168
Partner Clubs RC of Adilya
Non Rotary Partners
Project Category Disease Prevention and Treatment