39 Free Eye Checkup and Cataract Surgery
The 39th Free Cataract Surgery Camp restores vision of hundreds
Cataract. The term may not be particularly petrifying to majority of the economically stable population across urban pockets in India, but for the millions belonging to the rural and economically underdeveloped groups, this disease not only heralds minor and major inconveniences in carrying out daily activities, but may as well lead to impaired vision or even blindness, making it a serious and dreaded malady.
The WHO/NPCB (National Programme for Control of Blindness) survey has shown that there is a backlog of over 22 million blind eyes (12 million blind people) in India, and 80.1% of these are blind due to cataract. Research has also shown that cataract is the leading cause of blindness in India, and that un-operated cataracts worsen with age. Cataract blindness thus presents a substantial problem in India both in terms of human suffering as well as economic loss.
A SKRM/SOS Selfless Service Initiative
Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission (SKRM)/Science of Spirituality (SOS) has stepped up to contribute towards eliminating preventable blindness due to cataracts. Under the guidance of Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, world renowned spiritual Master and head of SKRM/SOS, the spiritual, non-profit organization sets up a Free Eye Checkup and Cataract Surgery Camp twice a year to restore vision among individuals who could otherwise not afford this cost-prohibitive surgery. To bring this noble cause to reality, the organization has partnered with ICARE Eye Hospital in Noida to provide state-of-the-art equipment for cataract surgeries. Over the years, SOS/SKRM has helped bring the gift of sight to more than 17,000 people.
This year also, the 39th Free Eye Checkup and Cataract Surgery Camp was organized from September 15-23, 2024, at Kirpal Bagh, Delhi, as part of the selfless service initiatives of the organization during the 28th Global Conference on Mysticism (September 13-20, 2024). The 1089 people shortlisted for cataract surgery, out of the 2600 screened during the preliminary round on September 15, were provided free transport to the ICARE Eye Hospital in Noida, where, through the next week, they received cataract surgery free of cost. Since the inception of this camp, ICARE Eye Hospital has been using its operating theatres, doctors, and staff for this noble cause. The surgeries were performed by the doctors of ICARE Eye Hospital as well as by doctors specially visiting from the United States to offer their skills free of charge in the spirit of selfless service taught and exemplified by Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj.
Meticulous Groundwork and Complete Care
On the first day of the camp, trained medical professionals from ICARE Eye Hospital performed a thorough screening and check-up of more than a couple of thousand people, so as to help identify patients eligible for cataract-removal surgery. Scores of volunteers from SKRM helped with the logistics of the process and registration of the patients. During the weeklong camp, patients who were assigned date for their surgeries were housed at Kirpal Bagh and provided complimentary meals prepared by SKRM volunteers. On their respective dates of surgery, patients were transported to the hospital on buses provided by the ICARE Eye Hospital in Noida, the venue of the surgeries. There, the cataract removal surgeries were conducted by the talented doctors and staff at ICARE Eye Hospital as well as a team of dedicated volunteer eye surgeons from the US. Behind the successful execution of the camp then were the many on-ground and administrative volunteers working in perfect tandem with the medical team to bring the gift of sight to hundreds. SOS/SKRM also provided reading glasses and several other essential amenities for the patients and their caretakers, with a view to making their experience as smooth and satisfactory as possible.
Doctors’ Dictum
Patients’ Perspective
The patients who underwent these cataract surgeries expressed great joy and gratitude at having their vision restored after having experienced suffering and discomfort for a long time. They were grateful for their lifechanging surgery, which will help them return to a life of normalcy and perform day-to-day tasks in an effective manner, leading some to have better relationships and others to have financial stability.
The Core Inspiration
Behind the initiative to bring the gift of sight to the needy is the blueprint of selfless service as taught and exemplified by Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, who says, “When we serve others, we are letting God’s hands work through us. When God’s hands work through us, that is the glue that puts our broken pieces back together.”
Selfless service is a core tenet on the path of spirituality. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj teaches that in the spirit of service to humanity, wherein help is rendered lovingly and without any expectation of personal gain, it is our responsibility to share our skills and means with others, so as to help God’s children in need. In his words, “Let us live each day with a spirit of giving. Let us think of others. Let us help others. Let us serve others. Let us tend to the needs of those who are hungry, thirsty, or in pain. Let us seek to sacrifice of ourselves for the good of others. For in this way, we will find the greatest riches. We will be flooded with God’s love and Light.”
About Us
Science of Spirituality
Science of Spirituality is a worldwide, spiritual organization dedicated to transforming lives, under the guidance of renowned spiritual Master Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj. Science of Spirituality presents spirituality as a science that can be practiced by people of all backgrounds and faiths.
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