In a one-of-its kind matching grant project, the Rotary Club of Chennai Galaxy joined hands with its counterparts in Pakistan (Rotary International District 3270) and Kenya (Rotary Club of Muthaiga) to conduct a free eye camp at Nairobi, Kenya, from May 20 to May 27, 2010.
Lending support towards this noble cause were two key partners – Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai and the Lions Club International. While Sankara Nethralaya sent a four-member team of ophthalmologists, the Lions club offered to conduct the eye camp at its Loresha Lions Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.
The week-long camp saw 1300 patients requiring specialized ophthalmic care being examined. The team of doctors performed procedures like prophylactic retinal lasers and operated upon complicated cases in Oculoplasty and Vitreo Retina. A total of 52 super speciality surgeries, including complicated phacoemulsification cataract surgeries, were performed.
Many ophthalmology sub specialities are yet to develop in Kenya and this camp provided local ophthalmologists the opportunity to witness, first-hand, complicated surgeries being performed with ease and competence. The interaction with doctors from Sankara Nethralaya proved to be a great learning experience for the medical and para medical staff of the Loresha Lions Hospital.
All expenses toward conducting this camp were borne by the Rotary Club from the three countries – India, Pakistan and Kenya.
Cutting across all barriers, in a unique show of solidarity, the coming together of the Rotary Clubs from India and Pakistan towards serving the community was highly appreciated. The High Commissioner of Pakistan and his Ugandan counterpart in Kenya participated at the camp’s inauguration on May 20, 2010.
Rotarian Mr. Karikalan, who was the project coordinator, and Lion Mr. Hari Narayanan also participated at the eye camp.
The team from Sankara Nethralaya included Dr. Bipasha Mukherjee, Director, Orbit, Oculoplasty & Trauma, Dr. Rashmin Gandhi, Senior Consultant, Neuro ophthalmology, Dr. Shubra Goel, Associate Consultant, Orbit, Oculoplasty & Trauma and Dr. Pukhraj Rishi, Associate Consultant, Vitreo Retina.
For the entire team, the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many was a truly rewarding experience.