Atabjeet’s story

A Simple Pair of Glasses, A Whole New World

Atabjeet, an 80-year-old resident of Sudarshan Colony, Nagpur, had been struggling with deteriorating eyesight. His vision had gradually weakened to the point where seeing both nearby and distant objects became difficult. This decline significantly affected his ability to carry out everyday tasks and hindered his independence, confining him mostly to his home. Simple activities that once brought him joy became daunting, leaving him feeling isolated and dependent on others.

Atabjeet first discovered the extent of his vision issues when he noticed increasing difficulty in performing routine tasks. Aware that his eyesight was worsening, he worried about how to regain his independence.

Hope arrived in the form of a free eye check-up camp held in Sudarshan Colony. Organised under Sightsavers India’s Urban Eye Health Programme, in collaboration with the partner hospital, the camp aimed to provide accessible and affordable eye care to the local community. Hearing about the initiative, Atabjeet made his way to the venue, where he joined many other villagers seeking help. The camp was well-organised and fully equipped, offering thorough eye examinations and affordable spectacles.

During his consultation, a doctor carefully examined Atabjeet’s eyes using torchlight and trial lenses. After a detailed assessment, he was diagnosed with Hypermetropia (farsightedness). The doctor then prescribed corrective spectacles, specifying the appropriate lens power to restore his vision.

To make the solution even more accessible, the camp had set up a spectacles stall, offering glasses at a minimal cost. Atabjeet chose to purchase his spectacles directly from the stall. The moment he put them on, he experienced a remarkable transformation, his vision was restored, allowing him to see both close-up and distant objects clearly once again.

The immediate improvement brought immense relief and happiness. With his sight restored, he could once again perform his daily tasks independently and move around without assistance.

In Atabjeet’s own words:

“I felt very happy knowing that I was now able to do my work properly without anyone’s help. Such camps should be held more frequently so that many others can also benefit from these services.”