GIFT OF VISION

The second Sight4Eyes eye camp took place on December 29, 2024, perfectly timed during the giving season. The choice of this date turned out to be ideal, as the weather was excellent, and the event saw an even larger turnout than the 2023 camp. 

Several people returned to have their second eye operated on, while others joined based on recommendations from friends and family. Additionally, many new participants learned about the camp through the daily newspaper.

I’m thrilled to share that 104 patients were screened, and 37 successful surgeries were performed. Additionally, reading glasses and eye drops were distributed to those in need.

This eye camp holds a special place in my heart, as it was entirely funded by the money I earned from selling bracelets. It wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible generosity of my 2024 sponsors, and I am deeply grateful for their support.

During this eye camp, I had the opportunity to assist Dr. Upadhyay and learned more about his inspiring journey. He even taught me how to identify whether an eye has a cataract or if it has undergone previous surgery.

Dr. Upadhyay has been dedicated to charity work for 18 years, with a focus on eye care and community service. His journey began with the Ramakrishna Math institute, which remains central to his efforts in Bhuj, where he continues to host cataract screenings. Motivated by his childhood experiences and a deep desire to help others, Dr. Upadhyay has improved the vision of countless individuals. For more, check out the interview on the right!

Dayabapa was a patient who struggled to see clearly as everything around him appeared blurry. He shared how thankful he was when his daughter found out about this eye camp, as he had been wanting to get his vision checked for a very long time.

During his check-up, Dr. Upadhyay explained that Dayabapa would need prescription glasses, however the eye camp only provided reading glasses. While he could get his prescription checked at the doctor’s office, he was worried because he wouldn't be able to pay for the glasses itself.

When my parents and I found out, we decided to gift him the glasses. Even though was a small act, it would make a big difference in his life, and seeing instant happiness in his eyes is something I'll never forget.

Daya Bapa’s wife, Kamaben, and their daughter had also attended the camp. Kamaben had cataracts in both of her eyes and mentioned that her eyes were constantly watering and itching. She was given eye drops as well as scheduled for cataract surgery in one of her eyes. Their daughter, who was only a few years older than me and studying finance, impressed me. She was incredibly loving and took great care of her parents while also managing her studies.

It was truly heartwarming to help this family and witness the positive impact the eye camp had on their lives.

Bhartiben had traveled all the way from Gandhidham to Bhuj, which is a distance comparable to the journey from Los Angeles to San Francisco. She shared that she wanted to get cataract surgery done in one of her eyes and had learned about this camp from a friend. 

While Bhartiben could potentially save up money for the procedure, she explained that having it done at the camp would be an incredible help. Hearing about the immense effort she puts into earning a small amount of money was truly awakening. Moments like these remind me how fortunate I am, and deepen my desire to give back even more.

Pritiben was a patient who had previously undergone cataract surgery in one eye and returned to have the procedure done on her other eye. She took the time to come and talk to me personally, expressing how happy she was when she learned that I was funding this eye camp by selling bracelets. 

Pritiben shared how this eye camp had been immensely beneficial to her and made such a positive difference in her life. In the photo, you can see the pure joy shining in her eyes, and it made me overjoyed that her first surgery had gone well. She also mentioned that the entire process was smooth and organized very well. 

Meeting people whose lives have been positively impacted by Sight4Eyes inspires me to do even more, and I cant wait to start the preparations for the third eye camp :)