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Sant Jodh Singh Ji Maharaj, Nirmal Ashram, Rishikesh and Sh. Shallinder Singh, Director (Personnel), THDCIL and jointly flagged off the Mobile Medical Van cum Ambulance Services for eye care, in its endeavor towards Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute’s mission by transforming patient’s lives by providing best eye care services at their door steps.

SEWA THDC project in partnership with Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute aims to provide free eye care facilities and check-ups to communities residing at remote location of THDCIL’s project-affected hill and plain areas of Uttarakhand state by organizing regular health camps throughout the year. The project also enlists the identification of individuals suffering from cataracts and providing them free of cost eye surgery at Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute, Rishikesh with zero financial burden on the beneficiary.

On this occasion General Manager (S&E), Sh. Amardeep, GM (S&E), THDCIL, Mr. P.K. Naithani (OSD)- SEWA THDC. Mr. R.K. Tyagi (Sr, Manager SEWA THDC), Sh. Ajay Sharma, (General Manager-Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute) side along with other officials from the THDCIL’s and Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute side were also present.

Case Study: Restoring Vision and Livelihood – A Cataract Surgery Success Story

Patient Information:

• Name: Sharif
• Age: 53 years
• Occupation: E-rickshaw driver
• Residence: Village Kukda, District Muzaffarnagar

Presenting Complaint: Sharif, a 53-year-old e-rickshaw driver from Village Kukda, District Muzaffarnagar, experienced blurry vision for the past few months. This visual impairment not only affected his day-to-day life but also hindered his ability to earn a living as the sole breadwinner for his family.

Discovery of Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute: Through word of mouth, Sharif learned about the Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute, offering hope for those suffering from eye ailments. He attended a camp on December 3, 2023, where an initial diagnosis revealed cataracts in both eyes.

Medical Intervention: On December 4, Sharif was brought to the base hospital for further examination, confirming cataracts in both eyes. The pre-operative vision was recorded at 6/60 in both eyes. Swift action was taken, and on the same day, Sharif underwent Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) with Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens (PCIOL) implantation in his right eye.

Postoperative Progress: The very next day, on December 5, Sharif’s postoperative vision showed remarkable improvement, recording 6/18 with a pinhole. Within 11 days, a follow-up was conducted on December 15, revealing a significant enhancement in Sharif’s confidence and visual acuity. His vision was recorded as an impressive 6/6p.

Quality of Life Improvement: Sharif’s life underwent a transformative change following the successful surgery. His happiness was evident, and he regained the ability to drive his e-rickshaw, thereby restoring his means of livelihood. As the primary provider for his family, this positive outcome alleviated the financial strain caused by his inability to work.

Next Steps: With the success of the surgery on his right eye, Sharif is scheduled for the next visit to address the cataract in his left eye. The sequential intervention aims to fully restore his vision and independence.

Conclusion: Sharif’s case is a testament to the impact of timely and effective medical intervention. The Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute not only addressed the physical ailment but also contributed significantly to improving Sharif’s overall quality of life. The success of the surgery has reinstated Sharif’s ability to provide for his family, highlighting the vital role that accessible healthcare plays in uplifting communities and individuals.

As the winter cold sets in, it’s crucial to take extra care of your eyes. Follow these tips to ensure optimal eye health during the colder months.
1- Keep Eyes Hydrated
1- Maintain Moisture: Dry indoor air can cause eye dryness and irritation. Use a humidifier to keep the air moist and prevent discomfort.
2- Blink Frequently: Increase your blink rate while reading or using electronic devices. This helps to naturally lubricate the eyes and reduce dryness.
3- Use Lubricating EyeDrops: Consider using preservative-free lubricating eye drops to provide instant relief from dryness and itchiness.

2- Schedule Regular Eye Care Appointments
1- Annual Check-ups: Visit your eye doctor at least once a year. Regular check-ups can detect early signs of eye problems and ensure timely treatment.
2- Update Your Prescription: If you wear glasses or contact lenses, make sure your prescription is up-to-date. Outdated prescriptions can strain your eyes and cause discomfort.
3- Monitor Eye Health: Regular eye exams help track the overall health of your eyes. They can identify potential issues and guide you towards maintaining good eye health.

3- Wear Goggles
1- Protective Eyewear: When partaking in outdoor winter activities like skiing or snowboarding, wear goggles to shield your eyes from cold winds, UV rays, and debris.
2- Prevent Dryness: Goggles create a barrier that helps retain moisture and prevent dryness. They also reduce the risk of windburn and snow glare affecting your eyes.
3- Preserve Eye Health: Using goggles protects your eyes from potential impact, reducing the risk of injuries and maintaining long-term eye health.

4- Drink Water
1- Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is essential for overall health, including your eyes. Drinking an adequate amount of water helps minimize dryness and discomfort.
2- Combat Dry Indoor Air: Drinking water helps combat the effects of dry indoor air, providing your body and eyes with the hydration they need.
3- Improve Eye Function: Proper hydration optimizes eye function, ensuring clear vision and reducing the risk of eye fatigue and strain.

5- Limiting Screen Time
1- Create Technology Breaks: Take regular breaks from prolonged screen time. Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
2- Practice the 20-20-20 Rule: Frequent screen breaks reduce eye strain, dryness, and digital eye fatigue, helping to maintain healthy eyes throughout the winter.
3- Engage in Alternative Activities: Swap screen time for activities that allow your eyes to rest and recover, such as reading a book, taking a walk, or doing puzzles.

6- Ensure a Healthy Diet
1- Vitamin-Rich Foods: Incorporate foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, to support optimal eye health throughout the winter.
2- Leafy Greens: Include spinach, kale (leaf cabbage), and other leafy greens in your diet. They contain essential nutrients that promote good eye health and prevent age-related eye diseases.

With the blessings and inspiration of Param Shraddhey, H.H. Mahant Baba Ram Singh Ji Maharaj and Sant Baba Jodh Singh Ji Maharaj, thirty four families of eye donors were felicitated by Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute (NEI), Rishikesh on Saturday, 21.10.2023.

The function organized at the Nirmal Auditorium, Khari-Kalan, Rishikesh was attended by more than 200 people, including many devotees of Nirmal Ashram, Rishikesh who had congregated from  Chidderwala, Bhaniyawala, Doiwala, Garhi-Shyampur, Khairi and Gumaniwala areas from nearby Rishikesh.

Mr. Ajay Sharma, General Manager (Operations), Dr. Asif Khan, Medical Superintendent and Shri Atam Prakash Kochhar (Babuji) of NEI led the entire staff to participate in the function with full zeal.

The event was successfully conducted by Dr. Himani and Mr. Shashi Shekhar Singh.

Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute Shines Light on Eye Health: A World Sight Day Celebration

Introduction: In honor of World Sight Day 2023, the Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute took a proactive stance towards raising awareness and addressing eye health concerns. With the theme “LOVE YOUR EYES AT WORK,” this year’s World Sight Day aimed to emphasize the significance of protecting one’s vision in the workplace to prioritize the eye health of their employees. In this spirit, Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute organized a three-day eye checkup camp from October 9th to 11th, which saw the participation of 583 patients and resulted in the diagnosis and treatment of various eye conditions.

The Significance of World Sight Day: World Sight Day is an international initiative that began in October 1984 and is now integrated into VISION 2020, coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) in cooperation with the World Health Organization. Its focus is to encourage employers to make eye health initiatives standard practice, promoting eye health habits that benefit the well-being, safety, and productivity of millions of employees. It serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of eye health in our daily lives.

Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute’s Commitment: The Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute, a renowned institution in the field of eye care, has always been at the forefront of advocating for eye health. In observance of World Sight Day, the institute conducted a three-day eye checkup camp, during which 583 patients underwent screening to identify potential eye issues.

Results of the Eye Checkup Camp: During the camp, the medical team at Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute screened 583 patients and made significant contributions to their eye health. Out of the patients, more than 63 were referred to the base hospital for free cataract surgeries, 93 were diagnosed with refractive errors, and over 59 patients received medications for various other eye conditions.

Creative Commemoration with a Unique Photo Shoot: On October 12th, in honor of World Sight Day, Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute organized a creative photo shoot at its campus. The staff participated with enthusiasm, emphasizing the importance of eye health awareness. This innovative approach aims to encourage people to love and appreciate their eyes while highlighting the institute’s dedication to the cause of eye health.

Celebrating World Sight Day: World Sight Day is a time for us to reflect on the importance of our vision and take concrete steps to protect it. There are various ways to participate in this global initiative:

1. Schedule an Eye Exam: Regular eye check-ups are vital for monitoring eye health.
2. Spread Awareness: Encourage your friends and family to get regular eye exams and understand the importance of eye health.
3. Attend Local Events: Participate in community events that focus on eye health and access to eye care services.

Basic Tips for Eye Protection: Maintaining good eye health is essential for everyone. Here are some simple tips to protect your eyes:

• Regular Eye Exams: Schedule routine eye check-ups to monitor your eye health.
• Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses when outdoors.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking is harmful to your eyes; quitting can reduce the risk of eye-related diseases.
• Digital Devices: Take breaks when using computers and other digital devices to reduce eye strain.
• Adequate Rest: Ensure you get enough sleep to support overall eye health.

Conclusion: World Sight Day is a global call to action to prioritize eye health. The Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute’s proactive measures, including the eye checkup camp and the creative photo shoot, have demonstrated their commitment to this cause. In the spirit of this year’s theme, “LOVE YOUR EYES AT WORK,” it is a reminder that safeguarding our vision is not only crucial for our well-being but also for our productivity in the workplace. Together, we can work towards a world where everyone has access to quality eye care and can cherish the gift of sight.

Dr. Onkar Singh

Medical Administrator

Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute

In India, more than 10 million people can’t see properly because of corneal blindness. This happens when the front part of the eye, called the cornea, becomes unclear, and it takes away their ability to see. What’s even sadder is that out of these people, about 2 million are kids under 12 years old. But there’s a way to help them see again – it’s called corneal transplantation. This special surgery uses healthy corneas from people who’ve passed away. But there’s a problem: not enough people know about it, and there are wrong ideas that make some folks scared of donating their eyes. This is where the National Eye Donation Fortnight comes in. It’s a time from August 25th to September 8th when we talk about eye donation and try to clear up the wrong ideas.

The National Eye Donation Fortnight started in 1985 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) of the Indian government. Since then, every year, they’ve been telling people how important it is to pledge to donate their eyes. This helps spread awareness and encourages people to help others even after they’re gone.

Let’s learn some important things about eye donation:

1. Anyone Can Help: It doesn’t matter if you’re old or young, a boy or a girl, or what your religion is. If you have eye problems, you can still help by donating your eyes.
2. Helping the Blind: The surgery that can cure corneal blindness needs healthy corneas from people who’ve passed away. A cornea is like a window for the eye. By replacing the cloudy cornea with a healthy one, blind people can see again.
3. Quick Action: The cornea should be taken out within six hours of the person passing away. This helps the surgery work better.
4. One Person, Two Lives: Just one person’s eyes can help two blind people to see.
5. Not Hard or Painful: Taking out the cornea only takes about 15 to 20 minutes. And it’s done after a person has passed away, so there’s no pain.
6. A Secret Gift: The names of the person donating and the person receiving the eyes are kept private.
7. Free Help: The government and groups that help people (NGOs) offer eye donation services for free. So, it’s easy for anyone to donate their eyes.

This special fortnight is about learning and sharing. People in schools, colleges, and groups talk about eye donation and how it can help. By spreading the right information, we can make a big change. Even if we’re not around anymore, our kindness can continue by helping others see the world.

Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute, a super specialty eye hospital, which has performed over 320 corneal transplants for those in need. We are a shining example of how one organization can make a huge impact.

Our Efforts During 38^th National Eye Donation Fortnight

In celebration of the National Eye Donation Fortnight, Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute has actively engaged with local schools, focusing on education and awareness. The institute has reached out to multiple schools, including:

1. Nirmal Ashram Gyan Daan Academy: The series began at Nirmal Ashram Gyan Daan Academy, led by Dr. (Ms.) Suneeta Sharma as principal, with Ms. Amritpal Dang as headmistress and Mr. Sohan Singh as coordinator. Distinguished speakers, Dr. Richa (Consultant,NEI), Atma Prakash Kochar (Babu Ji) and S. Gurbinder Singh Ji, also graced us with their insightful talks, shedding light on the importance of this noble cause. This visit highlighted the institute’s dedication to holistic education.
2. Nirmal Ashram Deepmala Public School: The journey continued to Nirmal Ashram Deepmala Public School, guided by Principal Ms. Lalita Krishna Swamy. The presence of Sant Baba Jodh Singh Ji Maharaj added a spiritual dimension to the interaction. Distinguished speakers, Atma Prakash Kochar (Babu Ji) and S. Gurbinder Singh Ji, further enriched the visit with their enlightening discussions.
3. IDPL Inter College: At IDPL Inter College, Mr. Rajeev Lochan Singh is principal, Mr. Sh. Tript Rawat is coordinator, and Mr. Om Prakash Gupta shared insights as a visiting faculty member. Distinguished speakers, Atma Prakash Kochar (Babu Ji) and S. Gurbinder Singh Ji, also graced us with their insightful talks, emphasizing collaborative learning initiatives. This visit highlighted the significance of educational partnerships

During these interactions, key figures emphasized the importance of eye donation.

As we celebrate the National Eye Donation Fortnight, let’s remember how it started, the important things it teaches us, and the kindness it inspires. By knowing the truth and talking about it, we can all be a part of this important mission. Together, at Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute, we can bring light to those living in darkness and make their lives brighter.

Patient Information:

• Name: Arushi
• Age: 15 years
• Location: Dehradun
• Initial Visit: 15th June 2023
• Subsequent Visit: 18th August 2023

Presenting Complaint: Arushi, a 15-year-old resident of Vikasnagar, visited the hospital on 15th June 2023 with a complaint of blurry vision. Upon examination, her initial vision was measured as 6/36 in both eyes after refraction.

Initial Diagnosis and Treatment: After comprehensive assessment, it was determined that Arushi required corrective glasses to improve her visual acuity. She was provided with appropriate corrective glasses, however, on her subsequent visit, she returned to the hospital with ongoing complaints of blurry vision.

Further Diagnostic Procedures: During her follow-up visit, a series of diagnostic procedures were conducted to identify the underlying cause of Arushi’s persistently poor vision. These procedures included:

1. Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer (HFA): To assess her visual field and identify any abnormalities.
2. A-scan Biometry: To measure the length of the eye for precise refraction.
3. Dilated Refraction: To determine the most accurate prescription for her corrective lenses.
4. Tonometry: To measure intraocular pressure.
5. 90D Examination: To examine the back of the eye and its structures.
6. Fundus Evaluation: To assess the retina for any signs of pathology.

Final Diagnosis: Retinitis Pigmentosa After a thorough evaluation, Arushi was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a progressive genetic disorder affecting the retina’s photoreceptor cells. This condition leads to gradual vision loss and can cause difficulties with both peripheral and night vision.

Treatment Approach: To address Arushi’s vision impairment, a multifaceted treatment plan was devised:

1. Telescope for Distance Vision: Arushi was provided with a Handheld monocularTelescope(6X) for distance vision. This device significantly improved her visual acuity from 6/24 to 6/6p, allowing her to see clearly even from a distance.
2. Dome Magnifier for Near Vision: For close vision tasks, Arushi was given a Dome Magnifier (4X), which brought about a remarkable improvement in her near vision. Her near vision acuity improved from N18 to N6 binocular.

Patient Testimonial: When questioned about her chief complaints, Arushi expressed that she had been struggling to see the blackboard even from the front row of her classroom. However, with the assistance of the provided devices, she was now able to engage in her studies without any difficulty, greatly enhancing her academic performance and overall quality of life.

Conclusion: Arushi’s case highlights the importance of comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment in managing vision impairment caused by retinitis pigmentosa with the help of Low Vision Aids. The combination of a telescope for distance vision and a Dome Magnifier for near vision brought about a significant improvement in her visual acuity, allowing her to overcome her challenges and actively participate in her education and daily activities. This case underscores the critical role of modern diagnostic procedures and assistive devices in enhancing the lives of individuals with visual impairments.

Shashi Shekhar Singh

H.O.D (Optometry)

Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute