John Keells helps restore vision of 1,000 cataract patients

CSR PROJECT: The John Keells Social Responsibility has exceeded the targeted 1000 cataract operations of it Vision 1000 CSR project.

Vision 1000 was launched by John Keells in June 2004 to restore the eyesight of 1000 deserving cataract patients around the island. The project, aligned with the World Health Organisation's "Vision 2020" Project was executed via Base Hospitals in each province.

Eye camps have so far been conducted in Avissawella, Matale, Maraka, Hambantota, Kantale, Wasgamuwa Mahiyanganaya, Horana, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Karawita. 1088 operations were completed as at March 31, 2006.

The project selects remote communities who have little access to health facilities and lack the financial strength to purchase lenses, which cost about Rs. 4,000 to 7,000 each. Selection of patients for operations based on their income levels, was at the discretion of the Eye Surgeon at each Base Hospital.

When organising eye camps, the Foundation also takes efforts to involve community institutions such as temples to ensure greater participation and effectiveness. The success of the project and the overwhelming response received has motivated the Foundation to continue the project into the next year, with 500 more cataract operations planned in the twelve months to March 31, 2007.

The project will target the plantation community in particular during the coming year. Vision 1000 will also distribute spectacles among 150 deserving students. In addition, the Foundation plans to print awareness literature for distribution at eye camps.