On 2nd October 2019, Gandhi Jayanti Eye Camp was organized by the department of Ophthalmology of Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram in the premises of Kasturba Hospital. The one-day free eye camp is held every year to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
People from the surrounding villages and towns of Wardha district as well as far off places like Adilabad, Rajura, Sirpur, Bhandara, Jalgaon, Warangal, Motala, Chandrapur, Korpana, Kalamb, Bhadrawati, Nagpur, Warora, Anandwan, Buldhana, Pandharkawada, Chandur Railway, Ner, Ballarshah, Amrawati Kaghaz Nagar, Yavatmal and Baitul availed the services this year.
The camp was held in the Eye OPD of the hospital. A total of 840 patients were registered and examined for ocular disorders. 116 patients, including 51 males and 65 females underwent surgery on day one. In addition 400 patients (228 males and 172 females) were appointed for surgery in next 15 days. The surgeries mainly included Cataract with modern IOL implantation, Glaucoma surgery, Sac and lid surgeries of various types. The hospital provided free consultation and services to the patients. The patients were not charged anything for the surgery, medicines or glasses.
“This yearly eye camp has helped many like me who cannot afford surgeries”, said a patient who got his surgery done. “I bless these doctors who have operated my eyes. I can’t wait any longer to see how my grandchildren look like”, an old female sobbed.
Dr AK Shukla, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology said, “Our team is working hard to eliminate avoidable blindness in and around Wardha. We believe that nobody should remain blind due to poverty. The increase in number of patients speak up for our dedication”.