With support from IEF, a woman's courage and community care brought her back from the brink of blindness.
Why is it so important to detect vision problems early? Because early detection can mean the difference between saving sight and permanent blindness. For millions living in underserved communities, simple vision problems often go undiagnosed until it's too late. That's why Vision Centers, managed by Dr. Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital in Bhajanpura, are so essential. They bring eye care closer to home, making it easier, faster, and more affordable for people to get the help they need, as seen in Mrs. Shakila's story.
Mrs. Shakila, a 58-year-old widow from Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh, has faced many health and financial hardships. She now lives with her daughter and son-in-law in Bhajanpura, Delhi. With a household income of just ₹2000 ($25) a month, accessing quality healthcare, especially eye care, felt out of reach.
Her vision problems began gradually. At first, it was blurry while sewing or working in low light. She thought it was just tiredness. But soon, the symptoms worsened. She began having frequent headaches and saw halos around lights at night. These issues affected not only her daily life but also put stress on her family.
Everything changed when she attended a community awareness session and learned about the Bhajanpura Vision Center, supported by IEF. There, she received a free eye check-up using a modern fundus camera and teleophthalmology consultation. The screening revealed signs of glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, both serious conditions that could lead to permanent vision loss if not treated early.
After a teleconsultation, the vision center referred her to Dr. Shroff Charity Eye Hospital for further care. Doctors confirmed she had Angle-Closure Glaucoma in both eyes and performed a laser procedure called Peripheral Iridotomy. Later, she was also treated for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy with laser therapy.
Today, Mrs. Shakila's eye pressure is under control, and her vision has improved. She now receives free medications and regular follow-up care, including advanced eye scans such as OCT, to maintain her eye health. Mrs. Shakila's story shows how early diagnosis and access to eye care can change lives. With your help, we can reach more people in underserved communities before it's too late.
"I'm so thankful to Dr. Shroff Charity Eye Hospital and the International Eye Foundation for helping me get the treatment I needed. From the first visit to my follow-ups, everyone treated me with kindness and care. Thanks to the Bhajanpura Vision Center, I can see again, and I have hope for the future," said Mrs. Shakila.