Manikyam is independent once again

Cataract blindness is very common among poor people living in rural areas of India. Due to widespread poverty and a complete absence of ophthalmologists in rural areas, several thousands of poor people go blind and remain blind even though this is a treatable condition. To help such people, the Sankurathri Foundation has designed a community outreach program in which they take eye care to the door steps of the needy and poor in rural and remote areas.

Under this program, their medical team visits a location and conducts free eye examinations for all that show up. They advise those suffering from cataracts to undergo surgery, and if the patients are willing, Sankurathri provides same-day transportation to the base hospital for surgery. Preoperative testing, food, accommodation, medicine during surgery, intraocular lenses (lenses implanted in the eye), post operative medications, and transportation back to the village are free of cost to the patient. In addition, they also provide transportation to the two postoperative visits.

Manikyam is a 68 year old widow living in the village of Bhavaram in Andhra Pradesh, India. Her husband died four years ago ­- leaving Manikyam with her three sons and two daughters. She currently lives with her son, who is working as a carpenter. She developed a cataract in her left eye and began to struggle with everyday tasks. Frustrated, she began to seek help to correct her condition.

Manikyam attended a free eye screening camp hosted by the Sankurathri Foundation in the town of Velangi. She qualified for cataract surgery, and through your generous donation Harini, she received it free of charge.

Thank you for your kindness. Manikyam can live independently again.