If you were losing your sight, would you delay seeing a doctor, especially if there was free treatment just 20 km away? Not likely. But many people in developing countries accept low vision and blindness as a given, even when medical help is available.

Parvathy is a middle-aged weaver who lives in a village in India. She started developing cataracts in both eyes in her 40s, and since weaving required good eyesight, it would mean the end of her income. A wretched life of begging was all that awaited her if she lost her eyesight.

Nearby Garnett Memorial Eye Hospital in Mettupalayam, one of a number of hospitals supported by Operation Eyesight Universal, offers free treatment for those who can’t pay. But Parvathy did not go. The hospital was far away, and she was fearful.

Parvathy is not the only one who is afraid or for whom cost or distance are obstacles. For these reasons, many do not seek the treatment that could save their sight.

But because of support from Operation Eyesight’s Canadian donors, hospitals like Garnett Memorial Eye Hospital are able to launch community outreach programs that dramatically increase the numbers of patients receiving treatment. Local citizens are trained in eye health and able to refer people for treatment. They travel by bicycle and motorbike to surrounding communities, some so remote that they don’t even have roads. In this way, people receive one on one interaction.

That interaction made the difference for Parvathy, who was able to travel to the hospital for the surgery – free of charge, including transportation and post-operative treatment. Parvathy’s life was changed. Such community outreach exists because Operation Eyesight’s donors fund training for community workers and purchase bicycles and motorbikes. Outreach continues to impact lives and save sight in communities around the world.

Would you like to learn more about Calgary-based Operation Eyesight and the impact it is having? Go to www.operationeyesight.com/successstories, or contact us for more information. Together, with the support of thousands of Canadians and individuals around the world, we are winning the fight against avoidable blindness – for all the world to see.

A weaver like Parvathy needs good vision to make a living. Thanks to Operation Eyesight, this became a reality.

Photo Credit: Courtesy Operation Eyesight

Natalie Dawes
Donor Communications Project Manager
Phone: 403-283-6323
Email: dawesn@operationeyesight.com
Website: www.operationeyesight.com
Facebook: OperationEyesightUniversal
Twitter: @OpEyesight