At a recent OBI health camp in Nepal, more than 600 villagers were provided with free medical and eye care services. 75 people were prescribed eyeglasses and 29 people were treated for cataracts.

HARNAMADI, Nepal – Every morning, 60-year-old Prema gets up before the sun rises to muck out the cowshed that is her family’s main source of income. Then, she walks over a mile to draw water to wash their clothes.

It is hard, strenuous work for this widowed grandmother, who has lived alone since husband died four years ago. But helping her family run the cowshed is her only means of support.

Still worse, Prema was battling a disability that made her daily chores an even greater struggle: She could only see with one eye. The other eye was blind from cataracts.

In 1981, the Nepal Blindness Survey showed that nearly one out of every 100 Nepalese suffered from blindness. The latest WHO data indicates the number today could be as high as one in 50.

The major causes of blindness in Nepal include cataracts, glaucoma, and vitamin A deficiency.

In poor, rural communities, these problems are even more common and regular monitoring and treatment are simply unavailable. The nearest hospital is often miles away, and for the poor and the elderly, medical care is unaffordable.

As part of a continuing commitment to provide medical services to these underserved communities, OBI is coordinating with regional partners and local hospitals to set up health camps in Nepal.

The camps reach impoverished communities with basic health services, including eye care, and also health and hygiene training to help prevent disease.

At the OBI health camp, Prema (center) was told she had a cataract, but that surgery was available to restore her sight, and, best of all, the cost would be free. She was treaterd at a nearby hospital.

Recently at a camp in Harnamadi, more than 600 villagers were provided with free medical and eye care services. 75 people were prescribed eyeglasses and 29 people were treated for cataracts. 

It was the first time medical services had ever reached the village.

“The people were very happy to come to the camp. The free eyeglasses were a great gift to them, but they never dreamt they would receive free eye surgery,” said Vivian Isaac, manager for medical and relief services with OB India.

Among them was Prema. Her eyes were checked, and she was told she had a cataract, but that surgery was available to restore her sight, and, best of all, the cost would be free.

 “Unbelievable!” she exclaimed, before being taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

After the surgery, a beaming Prema said, “I never expected to get my eyes examined. But now, my surgery is done and I can see clearly. I will be able to work more efficiently and have a better life. Thank you, Operation Blessing.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Be a part of OBI's ongoing medical relief efforts by making an online contribution to help those suffering from extreme poverty and sickness.

 

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