Eye Care for the Needy: Lion Club of Karimnagar Bhaskar Madhekar Charitable Eye Hospital


Lion Vasudeva Reddy

In the realm of community service, eye care has taken center stage, and the Lion Club of Karimnagar Bhaskar Madhekar Charitable Eye Hospital is at the forefront of providing voluntary programs to those in need. As the hospital celebrates its 35th anniversary, it is gearing up to expand its services and make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Let's delve into the remarkable journey of this hospital and its commitment to eye care.

Serving the Rural Areas:
The Lions Club of Karimnagar Dr. Bhaskar Madhekar Charitable Eye Hospital, situated in Rekurthi, District 320G, MD 320, has been serving patients from rural areas since February 20, 1988. Recognizing the importance of eyesight, the hospital has dedicated itself to providing eye care services to the underprivileged population. Founded by Late Dr. Bhaskar Madhekar, the hospital aimed to address the lack of proper eye care facilities in the backward region of north Telangana state. Over the years, it has transformed the lives of many individuals through its motto of serving the poor and needy.

A Legacy of Service:
In its 35-year journey, the hospital has conducted approximately 89,324 free surgeries and performed 730,000 IOL (Intraocular Lens) operations, including 160,000 cataract surgeries. Additionally, it has organized over 900 outreach camps in remote and tribal areas. The dedicated team of doctors and staff at the Eye Hospital embodies the spirit of service and plays a vital role in bringing this ambitious initiative to fruition.

Addressing Cataract and Eye Health:
Cataract, a significant issue affecting many individuals, has been a focus for the Lion Club of Karimnagar Bhaskar Madhekar Charitable Eye Hospital. The hospital has conducted eye screening camps in government schools and discovered that approximately 30% of students have eyesight issues. With a team of six experienced doctors and 58 medical staff, the hospital is equipped to perform surgeries on par with corporate hospitals. State-of-the-art equipment, including the IOL Master, ensures successful surgical interventions.
 
Nethrajyothi: Gift of Sight:
Under the visionary leadership of Chairman Konda Venu Murthy, the hospital has launched an initiative called Nethrajyothi: Gift a Sight to the poor. Lion members are encouraged to donate Rs. 2000/- on special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and memorable days of loved ones to support eye operations for the poor and needy. The hospital also boasts a dedicated Retina Department and centres for treating glaucoma and squint, expanding its scope of services.

Empowering Vision Centers and Outreach Camps:
In addition to its primary operations, the hospital plays a crucial role in supporting vision centres in the area. Numerous outreach eye camps organized by different Lions clubs in the region further extend the reach of eye care services. This collaborative effort ensures that individuals in remote areas receive the necessary eye care and support.

The Lion Club of Karimnagar Bhaskar Madhekar Charitable Eye Hospital stands as a shining example of compassion and service in the field of eye care. For 35 years, it has dedicated itself to transforming lives through free surgeries, outreach camps, and initiatives like Nethrajyothi. As the hospital continues to expand its impact, it remains committed to providing quality eye care to underprivileged and underserved populations.