Rotary Yeovil is toasting the success of a two year project to fund and establish a mobile eye clinic in Kerala on the south east coast of India.
Project Nethra was a campaign to treat avoidable blindness across the region.
In conjunction with UK-based Global Sight Solutions, a charitable organisation that has its roots in Rotary, the Somerset club raised funds for this much needed facility.
In addition, one of its members Yinka Osoba, a consultant eye surgeon, played a significant role in generating awareness and advising on the project.
Remarkably, despite the recent flooding in Kerala, the mobile eye clinic has remained unaffected.
The eye clinic is a perfect example of what two Rotary clubs in two different countries can achieve by getting together in order to access an international Global Grant.”
In fact, the first screening was carried out this month in a small village called Panangad, where more than 120 patients were screened and 21 were referred to hospital.
Working in partnership with the Indian-based Rotary Cochin, this joint venture benefited from a Rotary International Global Grant which allowed the target figure to be reached far more quickly.
A specially-converted vehicle has been handed over which is now in service and operated by the Giridar Eye Institute, as well as the SSM Eye Research Foundation.
The mobile clinic has been fitted out with equipment to detect and diagnose sight issues.
It provides a valuable service to those less fortunate in the region who are unable to gain access to these medical facilities.
Rotary mobile eye clinic during Kerala flooding
“We are delighted to see this project reach such a successful conclusion”, said Yeovil President, Caroline Ansell.
“It’s amazing to think that the whole thing started a couple of years ago when we met members of the Cochin Club during a friendship exchange in India.
“The eye clinic is a perfect example of what two Rotary clubs in two different countries can achieve by getting together in order to access an international Global Grant.”
