278th Free Eye Screening Camp by Vivekananda Kendra Rural Development Programme

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Prant, Rural Development Programme (VKRDP), Kanyakumari branch successfully organised the 278th Free Eye Screening Camp on 6th August 2025 from 9 am to 2 pm at Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari. The camp was conducted in collaboration with Aravind Eye Hospital, Tirunelveli, and was generously funded by the Kanyakumari District Blindness Control Society (DBCS).

The inaugural session of the camp began with the lighting of the lamp by donors. This was followed by Prarthana (prayer), creating a serene and dedicated atmosphere. Kum. Leela Akka, District Incharge of VKRDP, Kanyakumari District, briefed the gathering about the activities of Vivekananda Kendra, particularly its commitment to rural health and community development and stressed on Vivekavani (Tamil monthly magazine) Subscriptions.

The camp was organised under the guidance of Kum. Leela Akka along with a dedicated team of volunteers from Kanyakumari district. Their tireless efforts ensured smooth coordination of the camp’s various activities. A noteworthy aspect was the involvement of beneficiaries from previous eye camps who came forward to volunteer this time. With gratitude in their hearts, they actively participated in tasks such as issuing tokens, guiding participants through the screening process, and assisting the medical team. Their presence not only ensured efficient management but also stood as a testimony to the life-changing impact of such health initiatives.

The medical team from Aravind Eye Hospital was led by Dr. Shalima and Dr. Lakshmi, along with assistant nurse staff, carried out the screening and consultation processes with precision and care. The camp focused on early diagnosis of eye conditions, including cataract and refractive errors, and provided follow-up support to those in need of advanced care.

The eye camp witnessed an overwhelming response from the local community, with a large number of beneficiaries attending from nearby villages. A total of 215 outpatients were examined, of which 62 were identified as inpatients requiring further medical procedures, including surgery if necessary.