TPRF Grant Provides Eye Care for over 13,500 people in India

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TPRF Grant Provides Eye Care for over 13,500 people in India

Humanitarian Initiatives

By The Prem Rawat Foundation

Monday, 08 February 2010 11:03

The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF) gave US $25,000 to sponsor multi-day eye clinics in seven cities December 2009 through January 2010 that provided eye care free of charge to over 13,500 people in India.

Almost 10,000 people received prescription glasses, over 10,500 were given eye drops for infections, and more than 1,700 were diagnosed with cataracts and referred to hospitals for further treatment.

In 2007, the Health Ministry of India estimated that 1.1% of the population suffered from blindness, 80% of which was preventable. Yet millions are unable to receive the care that could preserve their eyesight.

TPRF has regularly sponsored eye clinics throughout India since 2003, providing professional care to those who could not otherwise afford it. To date, over 42,000 people have been treated in a total of 22 clinics sponsored by TPRF. Ophthalmologists, refractionists and other medical professionals donate their time to examine people, and volunteers organize and run the clinics.

Linda Pascotto, President of the Prem Rawat Foundation, says, “Conscious effort is made to treat each person who comes to these clinics with care, respect for their dignity, and concern for their comfort. Thousands of people who were unnecessarily handicapped by poor sight have been helped at these clinics.” Shade, biscuits, fresh water, and a place to sit were provided for people as they waited to be examined. Hundreds of comments from people of all ages reflect their heartfelt appreciation.

One man commented, “Having reached here we got lot of respect, which we do not get even at home. Arrangements of distribution of packet of biscuits and water are very good. We are very happy.”

Another, who had been to similar clinics, said, “We have been to other places, but we did not find such good and peaceful arrangements. We got new life here. We are very happy.”

Dr. Madhu Gupta, who had donated her time at the Jaipur clinic, expressed, “The services provided in this camp were much better than that of other camps I have helped with. It provided free and selfless services to this poverty-ridden population belt.”

A 50-year-old villager explained, “There can be no bigger gift than the gift of clear vision for me. I appreciate all the arrangements made by the Foundation.”

Photos courtesy of Premsagar Foundation India

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14 Comments

José Quintino makes this comment

Tuesday, 09 February 2010

I am deeply thankful that something like this exists. José
penelope makes this comment

Tuesday, 09 February 2010

Great work, sight is so precious and so easily lost when you live in poverty. I'm so glad that TPRF has taken this initiative. Thank you.
Kristin Woods makes this comment

Tuesday, 09 February 2010

What a wonderful, beautiful service. That quiet joy is felt in the words and in the photos.
Luigi Ibarra makes this comment

Tuesday, 09 February 2010

I'm really pleased to know that TPRF is helping those persons in India. We as wealthy people that we are have the obligation to be of help through money, since that is the fastest way to show them that we are the same in heart.
Rolf Koren makes this comment

Wednesday, 10 February 2010

It makes me proud to even know about this, let alone be a tiny part of it....
jez makes this comment

Wednesday, 10 February 2010

I was wondering if there are any opportunities to assist with TPRF activities overseas (I live in Australia) ? I do not have medical skills but would be able to help with simple tasks. I am 54 years old and quite fit and a very good communicator. I am interested in a voluntary role.
TOM O'DEA makes this comment

Wednesday, 10 February 2010

I feel both proud and priveliged to have been a part of Prem Rawats work for over 36 years. ~ Please keep up the good work, thank you.
marcela arce makes this comment

Wednesday, 10 February 2010

gracias por compartir conmigo esta experiencia. Conozco la importancia de tener atención médica, medicamentos y gafas, porque todos en mi familia las necesitamos. Personalmente, yo no puedo dar un paso sin mis lentes... así que gracias a todas las personas que con su esfuerzo están ayudando a otras.
mahmoud makes this comment

Wednesday, 10 February 2010

this is a good task that improve people and i hope that one day become a member and help people.
Leila makes this comment

Wednesday, 10 February 2010

Je trouves tres formidable ce merveilleux Service. Une telle Initiation au Benin serai la Bienvenue.Je Vous aimes. Merci beaucoups.