In its latest bid to prevent cases of blindness, the Ruparelia Foundation will hold a free medical eye camp in Kamuli district.
The medical camp scheduled for August 20 and 21 at the Shree Hind Bhavin Samal in Kamuli district, Eastern Uganda, will cover free eye checks, treatment, glasses and cataract surgeries.
Ruparelia Foundation has over the years made intentional and significant interventions when it comes to eye-related medical cases. Through outreaches, the Foundation treats people with eye defects at no cost.
At least 4,032 people were screened in the previous outreach (Kampala in 2015) with 275 cataract surgeries conducted. Some 422 reading glasses and 180 prescription glasses were donated to the people in dire need of corrective eye glasses.
The camp in Kamuli will be the third eye camp the Foundation has organized with an aim to build on previous efforts and widen the impact.
Cataracts (a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye) remain the leading cause of blindness in low/middle-income families, the highest burden is thought to be in the Karamoja and Busoga regions.
Majority (57%) of the cases of blindness in Uganda are caused by cataracts. Uncorrected refractive errors are the most frequent cause of visual impairment.
The rising cases of eye problems can partly be attributed to the increasing burden of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes.
Regular eye checkups, eating a balanced diet, fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, are some of the recommended ways to boost one’s optical health.
Speaking ahead of the Kamuli outreach, Sheena Ruparelia, the Director of Ruparelia Group, said this will be a very special medical camp as it is happening in the town where Jyotsna Ruparelia, the co-founder of the Foundation, was born and raised.
“It warms my heart, to give back to the community, where I grew up”, said Jyotsna Ruparelia.
Saturday’s medical camp will officially be opened by the First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt Hon Rebecca Kadaga. She acknowledged the kind gesture of the Ruparelia Foundation, adding she believes such initiatives are highly essential as they complement government efforts.
The Kamuli medical camp is supported by The North Indian Cultural Association (NICA), Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Abacus Parental Drug Limited, SSDM Temple and Rwenzori Bottling Company Ltd.
Others include Euroflex Ltd (Eurofoam), Pearl Dairy Farms Ltd (Lato Milk), Harris International (Riham), Rotary Club of Jinja and Rotary Club of Nsangi.
An estimated 2,000 people with different eye problems are expected to participate in the upcoming medical camp.
Established in 2012, the Ruparelia Foundation, holds a vision to create positive and transformative change in the community, with a strong belief in collective efforts. Inspired by its ethos – Enriching Lives Together – the Foundation has for the past seven years worked together with several people championing positive change in different communities across Uganda.
In the health aspect alone, the Foundation has contributed over Ushs 200m in medical bills, hospital renovations, purchase of essential hospital equipment and holding free health camps in communities.
