A decade of providing eye care

BANGALORE: Sunday Project Drishti celebrated a decade of existence with Gurudev Vishwasant Brahmrishi Gurvanandji Swami, Tirupati.  The function was inaugurated by Dinesh Gundu Rao - MLA, Gandhinagar, and the guest of honour was Lehar Singh Siroya, MLC.Ten years ago, what began as a seed of thought for Dr Narpat Solanki has today bloomed into a reputed and well-recognised NGO, rendering ‘Eye-Care Services’ at doorsteps of the needy and less privileged. Under the stewardship of its founder and chairman, Dr Solanki, it has achieved the distinction of making Gauribidnur and Kanakpura as ‘Cataract-backlog free zones’. A decade ago when Project  Drishti was conceptualised and launched, the stake holders and partners had one motto- ‘Let us do all the good we can, lend a helping hand to whomever we can….make a difference to the world in whatever small way we can !’The past decade has seen the project grow and emerge as a torch-bearer in the field of ‘Eye care services to the needy and less privileged of the society.’ It has been recognised for the laudable work that has been rendered to the rural areas and the urban slums, where people hardly get the basic amenities including the medical facilities.Based on the merit of its services and eminent impact on the lives of the poor, a large section of society including social organisations and benevolent individuals have been supporting Project Drishti.  Activities at Project Drishti are divided into two major categories - Free Eye screening Camps and Free Eye Surgeries.The approach at the free eye screening camps is to reach out at the doorsteps of the needy. This includes organising Free Eye Screening Camps at backward and urban slum areas, rural areas and places where modern medical facilities are out of reach. The PD Team, including the doctors, refractionists and helper staff conduct the screening and identification of patients for surgery.Those who do not need surgery are given spectacles or medicines.The patients who require eye surgery are provided transport and accommodation facilities to the base hospital ie Dr Solanki’s Eye Hospital, Seshadripuram. Apart from the surgery, the after care of the patient is also taken care of, in terms of free stay, food and transport facilities. Cataract surgeries with IOL implantation using latest equipment and technology is carried out. Regular Free eye screening camps at schools are carried out.