👁️ Eye Vision Programme – “Lalithamma Kanti Velugu Pathakam”
Introduction
Vision is one of the greatest gifts of life. Yet, thousands in rural Andhra Pradesh suffer from avoidable blindness due to lack of access to basic eye care.
To address this challenge, the Chaganam Lalithamma Bhaskara Rao Memorial Trust (Reg. No. 96/2020) launched the “Lalithamma Kanti Velugu Pathakam” — a free eye care initiative named in loving memory of Smt. Lalithamma Garu, whose compassion and vision for service continue to inspire every activity of the Trust.
This initiative has become one of the largest rural eye care programs in the Tirupati and SPSR Nellore regions, offering free eye check-ups, cataract operations, spectacles, and medicines.
Objectives of the Programme
☑️ To identify and treat preventable eye disorders in rural communities.
☑️ To provide free eye check-ups, surgeries, and spectacles to the needy.
☑️ To organize awareness campaigns on eye hygiene and care.
☑️ To ensure follow-up support and rehabilitation for operated patients.
☑️ To collaborate with local hospitals for professional medical assistance.
Programme Implementation
The Eye Vision Programme is conducted through a series of medical camps across villages and mandals.
Each camp includes:
Preliminary eye examinations by qualified ophthalmologists.
Distribution of free spectacles for refractive errors.
Cataract and vision-correction surgeries performed at partner hospitals.
Free post-surgery medication and follow-up reviews.
Coverage and Performance (2020–2025)
| Details | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Mandals Covered | 60 |
| Villages Covered | 1,000 |
| Outpatients Attended | 31,563 |
| Spectacles Distributed | 22,889 |
| Surgeries Conducted | 4,162 |
| Free Medicines Provided | 14,489 |
☑️ Each patient receives individual attention, from diagnosis to post-surgery care, ensuring complete recovery and reintegration into daily life.
Collaboration and Support
Eye camps are organized in collaboration with renowned eye specialists and partner hospitals, including Tata Cancer & Eye Care Hospital, Tirupati.
Local volunteers assist in logistics, patient registration, and transportation.
Villagers are pre-screened by Trust volunteers for efficient camp management.
Awareness sessions are conducted on common eye diseases like cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
Impact of the Programme
☑️ Over 31,000 rural patients screened for eye-related ailments.
☑️ More than 22,000 individuals received free spectacles.
☑️ 4,162 cataract surgeries successfully performed free of charge.
☑️ Thousands of senior citizens regained clear vision and confidence.
☑️ Reduced incidence of avoidable blindness in the covered regions.
Beneficiary Feedback
Beneficiaries from remote mandals expressed gratitude for this initiative, highlighting how the camps restored not only their vision but also their independence and dignity.
Many elderly villagers who had lost hope of treatment are now living normal, active lives.
Monitoring and Follow-up
Every patient is registered and tracked through follow-up visits.
The Trust ensures free post-surgery medicines and counseling.
Data from each camp is recorded for transparency and reporting.
Recognition and Visits
The Eye Vision Programme received appreciation from notable dignitaries, including:
Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu Garu, Former Vice President of India.
Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy Garu, Hon. Advisor to the AP Government.
Sri Gurumurthy Tirupati (MP) and Sri Kiliveti Sanjeevaiah (MLA, Sullurupeta).
Their visits to the Trust’s Eye Camps reinforced the value of this selfless community service.
Future Plans
☑️ Expand eye care services to additional 500 villages.
☑️ Introduce Mobile Eye Care Units for door-to-door screening.
☑️ Conduct School Eye Camps for children’s early vision correction.
☑️ Establish a permanent Eye Care & Diagnostic Centre at Pellakuru.
Founder’s Note
“Eyes give us the ability to see the world — but compassion helps us make it brighter.
Through this programme, we aim to ensure that no one lives in darkness due to poverty.”
— Shri Chaganam Gowrishankar Garu, Managing Trustee
Conclusion
The Lalithamma Kanti Velugu Pathakam stands as a testament to the Trust’s belief in service, equality, and hope.
By restoring sight to thousands, the Trust not only improves health but also renews livelihoods, self-reliance, and confidence among the rural poor.