According to the State Health Department data , more than 4% of the total global blind population of 45 million lives in Uttar Pradesh, translating into over 1.85 million persons. Cataract and refractive errors are the common causes of blindness in Uttar Pradesh. Both problems which are reversible in nature, lead to permanent blindness if ignored. While cataract accounts for over 62% cases of blindness, refractive errors are the reason in 20%. High levels of avoidable blindness are to be expected due to poverty, malnutrition and the poor health of the population. There is also a lack of knowledge that most conditions can be prevented or treated, meaning that even when people do realize that they have an eye problem, they do not seek the help they need which could prevent them from causing permanent damage. Eye health is considered as one of the most neglected areas under health care interventions. Therefore, it is likely that the prevalence of eye health issues is high keeping in mind the increased population growth rate in Uttar Pradesh

The eye care service delivery in the state is mostly Cataract centric. Other important causes of vision impairment are not catered to substantially. Cataract amounts for more than half the blindness in the state. State’s Cataract Surgical Rate [CSR] of 2019-20 is 4775, less than the national average [5063] . A backlog of cataract surgery contributes to the high numbers of avoidable cases of blindness. 75% of the districts have CSR even below the state average.

Cataract which cause blurry vision, increase the glare from lights & making ones daily normal activities difficult; can be solved by an operation. Sponsoring free cataract surgery to the patient in need in rural community contributes towards reduction in avoidable blindness

Free Services under the program to community patients:-

• Screening at Camp Site
• Cataract Surgery
• Transportation
• Food
• Lodging
• Spectacles (Balck Goggles/Refractive Glasses)
• Medicine for one month