FREE EYE CATARACT CAMP 2024

A leading cause of blindness is cataracts. Cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye, which is usually clear. The clouding begins to affect vision, and if left untreated can result in the complete loss of sight. Cataracts are easily curable, whereby the clouded lens is removed and replaced with a clear one.

Despite the simple procedure, many people living in impoverished communities do not have access to quality healthcare and so GDCA have taken the opportunity to work with the Hope Foundation to help vulnerable people of Greater Dawrai get access to professional eye care by holding an eye camp in the village. Members of GDCA made generous donations to facilitate the camp.

The camp was held on 23rd January 2024 in the Union Office, utilising three of its rooms.

In total, 380 patients from Greater Dawrai and the surrounding areas visited the camp.

31 patients were diagnosed for surgery and taken by coach to Vard Eye Hospital, Ilashpur, Osmaninogor, Sylhet for surgery. They had cataract removed and remained in hospital premises and were monitored for 24 hours:

- All patients were provided with food including dinner on clinic day/admission to hospital and breakfast the following day

- All patients were returned to Dawrai via coach

- All those who had cataracts done were given sunglasses

- After 1 week doctors returned to Dawrai to assess the cataract patients' eyes

The remaining patients were assessed for prescription glasses and medication as appropriate.

All treatment was provided at zero cost to the end user.

Alhamdulillah the event was a great success. GDCA General Secretary Alim Uddin Khan was present during the opening of the event. GDCA Youth Secretary, Koys Hussain was also present at the event and reported back:

'...Alhamdulilah the eye clinic was very well organised and professionally set up. There were no issues with crowd management. Everything went smoothly and the help provided were beyond expectations....’

Patient Afruj Miah , 59, from Kalamborpur said:

'...I had a problem with my eyes for a long time, I couldn’t see properly, so I couldn’t go out, couldn’t read the Quran. Alhamdulillah, after the operation, now I can see properly, I can read Quran...'

GDCA Chairman and Hope Foundation Director would like to thank everyone that donated and helped to facilitate the camp.