How do we run our programs?

Meticulous planning and logistical arrangements are required to ensure the success of a vision correction program.  
The primary actors in a vision correction program are the doctors' team, responsible for patient treatment and for sourcing medical equipment and medicines. The Lens Project has partnered with Chaitanya Ashram.

The second aspect is logistical, organizational, and financial support for the day-long event, which is provided by the Lens Project through fundraising and volunteering. 

The vision correction program is a day-long event. Villagers arrive early in the morning and begin with registration, followed by checks for medical vitals e.g. BP, Blood Sugar and other medical conditions that may affect the eye examination and health. After receiving pupil-dilation medication, nurses conduct initial checkups, followed by detailed screening for various eye conditions by the specialist doctor. By the end of the day, patients receive prescription and instructions on medications and surgery requirements. Patients earmarked for cataract surgery are informed about the next steps— such as where to assemble for transport to reach a partner hospital for surgery (if needed), or where to collect their corrective glasses.

Planning & Permissions

Our programs are made possible through close coordination with local bodies such as the Gram Panchayat and local health workers. Their support is crucial not only in mobilizing patients but also in granting access to public spaces like school buildings or community halls, where the programs are held.

Grassroots politics is an integral part of rural Bengal. Local political goodwill at the Panchayat level and cooperation at the grassroots level play an important role. Local representatives help with outreach and sometimes assist in fast-tracking permissions or arranging basic infrastructure.

A few weeks prior to the program, leaflets are distributed in the locality to inform the needy.

Program Day Setup, Materials & Process

Each program requires the following:

Logistics:

• Tent and pandal setup for patients, with tables and medical stations for examinations

• Volunteer support for the entire process, including food and water for villagers

• Post-program support for surgery patients, including transportation to hospitals and post-surgery checkups

• Physical and emotional support for senior citizens

• Adequate number of volunteers on program day and for follow-up days

Medical Support:

• A team of doctors, nurses, and an ophthalmologist

• Diagnostic tools including vision charts, slit lamps, autorefractors, and intraocular pressure measuring devices

• Medicines and eye drops for both general treatment and post-operative care

• Corrective lenses (pre-made in common powers), distributed immediately where possible

We work closely with Chaitanya Ashram in Kharagpur for medical support, surgical scheduling, and post-surgery follow-ups.

Post-Program Day Support:

• Patients earmarked for cataract surgery (approximately 200 on average) are given a date and means of transport by volunteers

• After surgery, they are safely returned to their homes

• Volunteers check in on their well-being for the next month and answer any questions they may have