Vision for All: Mukti’s Eye Care Initiative for Factory Workers

The gift of sight is one of our most valuable senses, yet millions of people worldwide face preventable blindness due to inadequate access to proper eye care. This often results in untreated eye conditions, leading to irreversible vision loss and significantly diminishing the quality of life. Recognizing the critical importance of vision and the need to raise awareness, Mukti, in collaboration with Dhakuria Apurba Prochesta, organized a Free Eye Check-Up Camp on August 18, 2024, for 80 factory workers at the Geo Nutri Foods Pvt. Ltd. campus in Bagnan, Howrah. The event was supported by Geo Nutri Foods Pvt. Ltd.

This camp offered vital eye care services, including comprehensive eye examinations. A team of highly skilled ophthalmologists and medical professionals generously volunteered their time and expertise to serve those in need. The examinations were thorough, covering visual acuity tests, refraction assessments, eye pressure checks, and detailed evaluations of the eye’s anterior and posterior segments. These screenings were crucial for the early detection of eye conditions, ensuring timely intervention to prevent potential vision loss.

Beyond the examinations, the event highlighted the importance of maintaining good eye health and adopting proper eye care practices. Volunteers and medical professionals engaged with the workers, educating them about common eye conditions, preventive measures, and the necessity of regular eye check-ups.

A particularly impactful aspect of the camp was the provision of free eyeglasses and medications to those in need. Following the comprehensive examinations, 42 patients who required corrective lenses were provided with appropriate eyeglasses and nine individuals were identified as needing cataract surgery, which will be performed free of charge. The joy and relief expressed by the recipients were deeply moving, as many had struggled with impaired vision but lacked the means to afford proper eyewear. Additionally, individuals diagnosed with various eye conditions received essential medications, ensuring access to necessary treatments.

“Such initiatives are helpful for poor people like me who cannot afford expensive procedures and medicines. The doctors at the camp also assured me of free surgery after which I will be able to see properly,” said Arup Jana, a grateful patient.

The Free Eye Check-Up Camp was a transformative experience for the underprivileged workers. By offering free eye examinations, eyeglasses, and medications, the camp addressed a critical need, positively impacting the lives of many who previously had no access to proper eye care. This initiative not only enhanced vision health but also raised awareness about the significance of regular eye check-ups and eye care practices. It stands as a powerful example of how collaborative efforts and community engagement can bring about meaningful change.

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