The Sai Maa Cataract Surgery program for 2014-15 began on November 22, 2015. The best time of the year in Varanasi for cataract surgeries, and the only time we run the Sai Maa camps, is during the winter months in India. During the rest of the year, it is extremely hot and the chance of infection skyrockets to unacceptable levels. This is now our 4th year running the cataract program for the villagers in and around Varanasi. The Sai Maa Vishnu Shakti Trust, in partnership with the Vivekanand Mission, has a phenomenal track record over these last 3 years having maintained a 100% success rate with our surgeries.
Today is a great example of why we have been able to achieve such a high standard of success. Screening programs were held in many villages over the past week and following rigorous testing, 18 possible patients were identified to receive the cataract surgery. The ophthalmologist, Dr. Richa Srinivastava, conducted the final screening procedures today and 8 of these villagers were found to be unsuitable for surgery now. Most have either a heart related problem such as high blood pressure or their diabetes is not under control. This means we have only 10 patients for the Trust’s first surgery program, however for an ophthalmologist here, even this is more than a normal day’s surgery. Most days a respected surgeon such as Dr Richa operates on an average of 3-5 patients.
All of today’s patients are extremely poor and come from the villages surrounding Varanasi In addition, they are the elderly in these community. The patients in this initial program range 55 years of age to 80 years. It is no easy feat to get them to come to Varanasi. Either the Vivekanand Mission staff or their family members must bring them to Varanasi. The recovery time takes more than a month too, so they are also not able to support their families in their normal roles during this time.
Every year we begin our annual program with Dr Richa. The surgeries must be performed on Sunday, because this is her only day off during the week. All her surgeries are done as selfless service, seva, free of cost. The main costs of the program are the screening programs, the room hire, and the cost of the medicines following the surgery. Providing eye surgeries for the elderly is a great opportunity and changes the lives of these villagers and their families. It is humbling to watch as these doctors give their only free day to offer their talents and expertise back to the community.
All of today’s patients are extremely poor and come from the villages surrounding Varanasi In addition, they are the elderly in these community. The patients in this initial program range 55 years of age to 80 years. It is no easy feat to get them to come to Varanasi. Either the Vivekanand Mission staff or their family members must bring them to Varanasi. The recovery time takes more than a month too, so they are also not able to support their families in their normal roles during this time.
Every year we begin our annual program with Dr Richa. The surgeries must be performed on Sunday, because this is her only day off during the week. All her surgeries are done as selfless service, seva, free of cost. The main costs of the program are the screening programs, the room hire, and the cost of the medicines following the surgery. Providing eye surgeries for the elderly is a great opportunity and changes the lives of these villagers and their families. It is humbling to watch as these doctors give their only free day to offer their talents and expertise back to the community.
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