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 and 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 marginalised 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. Recognising 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 3500. 

This highlights the pressing need to raise just INR 3500 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 rural Rajasthan.

Your contribution of just INR 3500 can bring the precious gift of sight to 1 elderly person.

WHAT IS A CATARACT?

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

CASE STUDIES OF CATARACT SURGERY:

ABOUT ME

My name is Naisha Chordia. I am 16 years old and a Grade 11 student at Jayshree Periwal High School, Jaipur.

Imagine,waking up one day and your world begins to slowly turn dark and blurry—deep down knowing there is a cure,but simply not being able to afford the treatment for the cure. In India , about over 11 million people suffer from cataract , making it one of the most well known cause for blindness in our country.
A cataract surgery in any private hospital would cost for about ₹13000-₹40000 per eye,for millions of people who come from the underprivileged sections - It’s not practical for them to even think of getting this basic treatment — and for a fact , for them to even think about this treatment for cure, would cost them a fortune.
A manageable eye condition then sooner turns into permanent blindness , stripping from them,the right to see,the right to enjoy their lives,the right to see colours and gain experiences,the right of basic independence and so so soo much more.

I , strongly believe that eyes are a fundamental right ; and not just a privilege for who can I afford it.
I believe, everyone-EVERYONE,deserves the right to see their loved ones,the right to see colours that make up this life,the right to see and move around with safety,and dignity.
This is the exact reason for my volunteering in this campaign—to help raise funds for this issue,so more people can enjoy the basic privileges of life and can see their loved ones.

Through this initiative, we are able to sponsor a complete, life-changing cataract surgery for just ₹3,500 per patient. It is amazingg, to think that a contribution of this amount—something many of us spend without a second thought—can literallyy restore a person's vision and rebuild their future.

I am determined to raise funds and help as many people as possible for this initiative, but this isn’t possible alone—Every single donation,small or big-matters the most , it can help changes someone’s dark sight ; bring light to their life and help bring their smile back,again.

Please support our campaign,and help bring vision to those who need it the most.

LOCATION:

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 organisation with its head office in Hyderabad. It is part of Operation Eyesight Universal, based in Canada, an international development organisation that has worked 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 target communities, and eliminate avoidable blindness sustainably. All these are being done with the help of donations from people like you, and support from service clubs, foundations, and corporations. 

Declaring villages 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, and 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 benefited 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 in the email, and you can read about which person has benefited. That's transparent, right?

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