• Darjeeling
• Sep 06, 2024

Eye Camp

Clear eyesight is fundamental to leading a fulfilling life—whether it's a child reading in the classroom, a tea worker managing daily tasks, or an elder navigating their surroundings. Acknowledging this, Mr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, President of the Darjeeling Welfare Society, initiated a partnership with Our Aim Foundation to launch a pilot eye screening camp across five schools in the tea gardens of the Darjeeling hills. The foundation's commitment to healthcare and community support aligns with our vision of creating impactful, long-lasting change in the region.

 

The objective of this pilot program was to identify and address vision-related problems in both students and senior citizens living in these remote areas. Often, such communities face difficulties in accessing healthcare, including basic eye care services. Vision problems, if left undiagnosed, can significantly affect both personal and professional life—particularly for students, who may struggle academically, and elderly individuals, whose mobility and independence can be hampered.

 

The screening camp began on September 4, 2024, at Thurbo Higher Secondary School, where 44 individuals were screened, and 22 were provided with eyeglasses to correct vision impairments. The following day, the camp moved to Mrurmah Premsundar Higher Secondary School, where 62 people were examined, and 11 pairs of eyeglasses were distributed. On September 6, the team conducted two screenings: one at Dooteria Higher Secondary School, where 64 individuals were screened and 8 received glasses, and later that day at Cedar Higher Secondary School, where 20 individuals were examined, resulting in 10 pairs of eyeglasses being handed out. The final phase of the camp was held at Moonda Koti Higher Secondary School on September 18, where 36 people were screened and 17 pairs of eyeglasses were provided.

 

In total, 226 individuals were screened across these locations, and 68 pairs of eyeglasses were distributed. These screenings were a critical first step in addressing vision problems within these communities and bringing attention to an often-overlooked health concern.

 

One of the most striking findings of the screenings was the number of children whose vision problems had gone unnoticed by their parents or teachers. Many of these children had been struggling with poor eyesight, which had directly impacted their ability to learn and perform well in school. Due to financial constraints or lack of awareness, these issues had remained unaddressed, leaving the children at a disadvantage. The distribution of eyeglasses not only improved their vision but also opened up new possibilities for them to engage with their studies more effectively, paving the way for better academic performance and future opportunities.

 

For the elderly participants, the screenings provided a lifeline. Many of them had been facing difficulties in reading or navigating daily activities, but these problems had been accepted as an inevitable part of aging. By providing eyeglasses, the camp helped restore a sense of independence and improved their overall quality of life, enabling them to perform tasks they had previously struggled with, such as reading or moving about safely.

 

This pilot project would not have been possible without the invaluable support of First Sight, who generously sponsored the eyeglasses provided during the screenings. Their commitment to improving vision care has had a profound impact, ensuring that those who needed corrective lenses received them without any financial burden. Their sponsorship played a crucial role in helping us reach some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

 

Recognizing the success of this initiative and the significant need for further action, the Darjeeling Welfare Society is working closely with Our Aim Foundation, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), and various local partner NGOs to expand the eye care program to a district-wide level. The expansion aims to ensure that more children, workers, and elderly individuals in rural and underserved communities receive the eye care they need. Our collective goal is not just to provide immediate relief through eyeglasses but to foster a sustainable model of eye health that includes regular screenings, follow-up care, and access to optical solutions.

 

This pilot project marks the beginning of a broader initiative aimed at improving the quality of life for residents across the Darjeeling hills. As we move forward, we remain deeply committed to enhancing access to essential healthcare services. We aim to raise awareness about the importance of regular eye check-ups, especially in regions where healthcare services are limited.

 

The success of this camp has only been possible through the efforts of numerous partners, volunteers, and supporters. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a role in making this event possible—from the teachers and staff of the schools who facilitated the screenings to the doctors and healthcare workers who provided expert care, and to the sponsors who generously funded the project. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the lives of many.

 

The Darjeeling Welfare Society looks forward to continuing its partnership with Our Aim Foundation, the GTA, and other stakeholders as we work towards a future where everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status, has access to essential eye care. With improved vision comes the ability to live more fully, to work, learn, and thrive. We are proud to be part of this transformative journey and remain dedicated to building healthier, more empowered communities across the district.