Back in 2021 our Club donated to an eye surgery project being led by the Rotary Club of Dhaka in Bangladesh which helps restore sight in those affected by cataracts. We reported on the success of the project earlier this year.
Members of our International Committee were keen to support the project again – but this time, in February, we also applied for a grant from our Rotary District for additional funds. Our application was successful and the district grant, together with our donation, led to a total donation of almost £1,400 being sent towards the project. Our contribution has helped those who can’t afford surgery or who were unable to travel to Dhaka for the operation.
The eye camps are part of an ongoing project organised by the Rotary Club of Dhaka in partnership with the Bangladesh Eye Trust Hospital. Camps were held in two districts in Bangladesh – one called Gazipur and another called Comilla. The surgery carried out is called “phaco” and has the following advantages, which are often important considerations when treating underprivileged individuals in under-resourced settings:
- No hospitalization required – surgery is “walk in, walk out”.
- Faster recovery/rehabilitation.
- Less restriction on normal activities (including work).
We can all appreciate what a difference the surgery must make to the individuals that had been struggling with poor sight caused by the cataracts. But the surgery makes a difference to their families too, as many still need to work or care for others.
Over forty individuals received the treatment thanks to our support. Details provided by the Rotary Club of Dhaka indicate that there was a mix of male and female patients, and that the youngest patient was aged 35 years while the eldest was aged 85 years.
Our International Committee members were so pleased with the results that they have already sent out another donation for the next set of eye camps. No doubt we will report on that once the camps have been held and the surgeries have been carried out.
There are 72 clubs on our District – you can read more about Rotary District 1120 here.
Picture: Pictures taken during the eye surgery project in Bangladesh. Picture credit: Rotary Club of Dhaka (reproduced with permission).
