KOCHI: More than 800 patients got their vision back in 2016-17 after undergoing cataract surgery under Project Drishti, the flagship CSR initiative of Bharat Financial Inclusion Limited (BFIL).Project Drishti was implemented in association with Canada-based NGO OEU and Little Flower Hospital and Research Centre, Angamaly. “The organisers are planning to expand it to other districts by providing free cataract treatment to the poor,” stated an official release.
“Project Drishti helps the poorest in society who are visually impaired to regain their eyesight. Most of the poor patients continue living with their ailments. Having proper vision is crucial for financially backward people as it increases their productivity, thereby helping them earn a decent living,” it said.
In the current fiscal, Little Flower Hospital screened 17,509 patients under Project Drishti, of which 2,325 were found to be suffering from cataract. Of the 1,101 patients who were brought to the base hospital for treatment, sight-restoring surgery was performed on 800.