Healthy Eyes, Brighter Lives.

The Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society(R) organised a Free Eye Check-up Camp on 19 August 2026 at the Basaveshwara Temple Community Hall at Nelavagilu. The camp was jointly organized by Nelavagilu and Hosagoddanakoppa Streebandhu Self-Help Group Federations in collaboration with Aashirvad Eye Hospital, Shivamogga.

The main objective of the camp was to create awareness about eye health among people in rural areas, facilitate the early detection of eye-related problems, and provide appropriate medical advice and guidance to those in need. The initiative also aimed to encourage people to undergo regular eye examinations and take timely action when they experience changes in their vision.

Dr. Arun Kumar, Surgeon at Aashirvad Eye Hospital, Shivamogga, participated in the camp and provided valuable information on eye health, safety and proper eye care. He emphasized the importance of not ignoring eye-related problems and advised people to consult a qualified doctor at an early stage whenever they experience difficulties with their vision.

He particularly highlighted the importance of regular eye examinations, especially for elderly people, and advised participants to seek the opinion of a specialist immediately if they notice any changes in their vision. Early identification and timely medical consultation, he explained, can help in detecting eye problems and obtaining appropriate treatment and advice. Eyes are among the most important sensory organs of the human body and play a vital role in everyday life. Today, eye-related problems are not limited to the elderly; children, young people and middle-aged individuals may also experience various vision and eye health issues. Problems such as blurred vision, burning or irritation of the eyes, excessive watering, headaches, and difficulty in seeing nearby or distant objects clearly are often ignored. However, identifying such problems at an early stage and seeking timely medical attention is essential for maintaining good eye health. With this objective, the Free Eye Check-up Camp was organized to make eye care services more accessible to the rural community.

He also briefed about the importance of proper nutrition in maintaining good eye health. He explained that eye health is closely connected to overall physical health and that consuming a nutritious and balanced diet is important. Participants were encouraged to include green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, fruits and essential nutrients in their daily diet. He further emphasized that a healthy lifestyle, combined with proper nutrition and regular medical check-ups, can contribute significantly to maintaining good eye health.

During the camp, information was also provided on various precautionary measures that can help protect eye health. Participants were advised not to ignore persistent eye problems or rely on self-medication without proper medical guidance. Instead, they were encouraged to seek the advice of qualified medical professionals and undergo eye examinations whenever necessary. The camp conveyed the important message that regular eye check-ups can help identify problems early and prevent vision-related difficulties from becoming more serious.

Village leader Mr. Kotreshappa was present at the programme and appreciated the initiative. He stated that free health camps of this nature are highly beneficial to people living in rural areas. Due to financial constraints and other difficulties, many rural families may not be able to undergo regular specialist medical examinations. Therefore, organizing health camps within the village and making specialist medical services more accessible to the community is an important contribution towards protecting and improving public health.

Retired teacher Mr. Rudrappa also participated in the programme and emphasized the importance of taking proper care of one's health. He noted that due to a lack of adequate information and awareness, many people tend to ignore health problems until they become serious. He said that awareness programmes and free health camps play an important role in educating the community and encouraging people to take timely action regarding their health, particularly their eye health.

Mrs. Supriya, President of the Nelavagilu Streebandhu Self-Help Group Federation, and Mrs. Savita, President of the Hosagoddanakoppa Streebandhu Federation, were also present at the programme. They supported the successful organization of the camp and encouraged members of the Self-Help Groups and other villagers to participate and benefit from the services provided.

The programme also highlighted the important role played by Self-Help Groups in promoting the health and well-being of women, families and the wider community. Through such community-based organizations, awareness about health, nutrition and preventive healthcare can be continuously promoted among members and their families.

The coordination of the camp was carried out by **Mr. Shanmukh**, Coordinator of The Shivamogga Multipurpose Social Service Society (R.). He provided the necessary support for the successful organization and smooth conduct of the programme and helped ensure the participation of the local community. **Ms. Gayatri**, the field worker, also actively contributed to the organization of the camp and assisted the beneficiaries throughout the programme.

The collective efforts of the local leaders, Streebandhu Self-Help Group Federation office-bearers, the medical team, the coordinator and the field worker ensured the smooth and successful conduct of the camp.

Members of the Streebandhu Self-Help Groups and members of the local community from Nelavagilu and surrounding areas actively participated in the Free Eye Check-up Camp. A total of 182 beneficiaries availed themselves of the eye examination and medical consultation services provided during the programme.

The participation of such a large number of beneficiaries demonstrates both the need for and the importance of accessible healthcare services in rural communities. The camp not only enabled people to undergo eye examinations but also created greater awareness about the importance of protecting vision and seeking medical assistance at the appropriate time.

Overall, the Free Eye Check-up Camp was successfully conducted and proved to be highly beneficial to the rural community. It provided participants with an opportunity to have their eyes examined, receive professional medical advice and gain valuable knowledge about eye health, nutrition and preventive care. The programme also helped create awareness about the importance of early detection of eye problems and regular eye examinations.