THE NEED
Making eye care accessible and affordable to the greater population scattered throughout rural areas in India is the key. Numerous studies have shown that sight restoration with cataract surgery is among the most cost-effective interventions in health care.
For rural villagers, traveling to the nearest urban centre for eye care may be more than they can afford.
In order that people can come for surgery in large numbers, however, demand for cataract surgery must be created in the community. This means that:
- People must be aware. They must know that the condition they have is cataract, that surgery gives good results, and where to go for surgery.
- People must have access. There must be services available within reach, family members must be willing to support or allow the person to undergo cataract surgery, and any other barriers to attending for surgery must be successfully addressed (e.g. for people with disabilities or women).
- People must be able to afford cataract surgery, including any associated cost (e.g. for transport).
- Patients and their family must be confident in the quality and safety of surgery.
THE NDCFS OUTREACH MODEL
Our model is an extension of our MISSION- extending the reach of equitable and quality medical and surgical eye care services to the poor and needy – through active community involvement, screening camps and surgical services.
In partnership with a number of Social workers, NGOs and institutions, the foundation conducts eye camps at the city slums as well as rural areas. Those needing treatment or are diagnosed with cataract at the outdoor eye screening camps and require surgery are brought to our Tertiary Care Centre.
The surgery is performed at subsidized costs (Rs. 4,000 per Cataract Surgery) for people with a monthly house- hold income of over Rs. 15,000 per month.
For people with an income of less than Rs. 7,000 per month treatment including surgery, stay in the hospital, conveyance and post-operative care expenses are totally cost-free. Following the surgery, the patient is taken back to his/her village; this is followed a week later by a doctor visit to examine how the patient is recuperating.
YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS
NDCFS Foundation is working towards an India where no person is unnecessarily blind. For everyone, no matter whether they’re rich or poor, to have the right to high quality and affordable eye care.
We are helping elders who are needlessly blind from cataract and to getting them lead a respectable independent life. We are treating children with avoidable vision problems and getting them back to school. We know how to prevent people with diabetes going irreversibly blind because they can’t access quality eye care.
We know how to help, but there’s a lot of work still to be done across the region. Eliminating avoidable blindness can be achieved – with the help of our partners and, most importantly, you, our invaluable supporters.
Support us in our mission. Donate for our cause today! We need your valuable support to carry out our work. Without it, we simply wouldn’t exist. You can get involved with NDCFS Foundation in many ways, and help us prevent avoidable blindness and rehabilitate people with irreversible blindness.