Globally, the statistics are staggering: It is estimated that 1 out of every 3 blind individuals resides in India. In particular, the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh grapple with the highest rates of curable blindness. A quantifiable crisis looms over Bihar, where around a shocking 19 million people require eyeglasses but do not wear one. Further there are about 4.8 million visually impaired, and 2.8 million urgently needing eye surgery. Tragically, this pool of those in need grows by an additional estimated 300,000 individuals every year. Moreover, Bihar faces a significant shortage in surgical capacity, with a 40% annual deficit and a doctor-patient ratio that stands at a stark 1:10 compared to more developed states.
In the face of this critical situation, Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital emerges as a beacon of hope, dedicated to eliminating curable blindness and transforming the landscape of eye healthcare in rural India. Their visionary initiative marks a monumental leap in the journey towards comprehensive eye care, primarily for the underprivileged.
On the auspicious date of November 2, 2023, Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital unveiled its groundbreaking Centre of Excellence (CoE) – a 500-bed superspeciality eye care hospital located in Shrirameshpuram, Mastichak, Saran, Bihar. This facility, the first of its kind in rural India, represents a momentous stride towards alleviating the crippling burden of preventable blindness in the region.
Under the visionary leadership of Mritunjay Kumar Tiwary, the Founder, Project Head, and Executive Trustee of Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital, the organisation has taken a resolute stand to provide accessible, high-quality eye care to those who need it most. The hospital’s inauguration signifies a significant milestone in the healthcare sector, especially in underserved regions. It is poised to bring about a transformative change, offering an array of essential services and state-of-the-art facilities, all dedicated to eye care.
The new hospital boasts a range of remarkable features, including:
500 Beds: World-class 500-bed eye hospital equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for comprehensive eye care services.
Comprehensive Services: Including General Ophthalmology, Cataract, Cornea, Retina, Glaucoma, Oculoplasty and Oncology, Vision Rehabilitation, and Spectacle Dispensing.
Paediatric Eye Care: The region’s only comprehensive paediatric eye care service
10 OPD Clinics: With a capacity to examine up to 800 patients daily.
11 Operation Theatres: Capable of performing 500 surgeries each day.
Free Surgeries: A commitment to providing free surgeries for the underprivileged.
Eye Banking Facility: To support eye transplants and vision-restoring procedures.
Hub for Ophthalmology Academics and Research: A space dedicated to advancing eye care knowledge.
Sprawling Campus: Spread across 10 acres with a 207,000 sq ft. built-up area.
In addition to its surgical and vision centres already operational in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital aims to provide a staggering 1.5 million free eye surgeries over the next seven years. Currently, they perform over 90,000 surgeries out of which 80,000 are done free for underprivileged patients and screen over 500,000 patients annually, with plans to increase their impact fourfold in the next 2–3 years. The impact of this endeavour is nothing short of remarkable.
Akhand Jyoti’s commitment, however, extends beyond medical services. Their ‘Football to Eyeball’ programme, aimed at educating, empowering, and employing rural girls, has grown significantly. It is a full-time residential programme which trains rural girls to play football to build their confidence and educates them to become professionally qualified optometrists. This year, they are inducting 200 new girls, with plans to increase the number to 1,500 by the end of 2030. This transformative initiative embodies Akhand Jyoti’s holistic approach to eye healthcare, recognising the importance of education and empowerment alongside medical intervention.
The inauguration of this state-of-the-art eye care hospital marks a turning point in the fight against curable blindness, not only in Bihar but throughout rural India. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held in the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Shri. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Hon’ble Governor of Bihar, Dr. Chinmay Pandya, Acting Head, Gayatri Pariwar & Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Uttarakhand marked the official beginning of this remarkable journey. Also present were representatives of Akhand Jyoti’s partner organisations, members of the media and the local community.
Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital’s commitment to providing sight to the indigent rural population and empowering women in the region deserves the spotlight. In their mission to transform lives through eye care and education, Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital stands as a shining example of what is possible when compassion, dedication, and vision combine to create lasting change.
This is a Partnered Post.
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