Our eyesight is one of our greatest gifts. It allows us to experience the world around us (even if it is limited to Netflix in our living rooms, in times as trying as these). Unfortunately, millions of people around the world have lost or are losing their vision. India currently has the highest blind population at 12 million, representing more than a quarter of the world's blind. In this tragedy, however, lies a great opportunity. More than 70% of the conditions that cause blindness are treatable, making blindness a temporary ailment with access to the right resources! Based in Noida, UP, ICARE is a non-profit organization that serves India’s poor for free. Patients that cannot afford proper ocular care can come to ICARE for both interventional and preventative treatment. The timely preventative care delivered through ICARE outreach clinics can mitigate disease that would eventually lead to permanent blindness. For patients dealing with more acute issues, ICARE can provide life-changing interventions such as cataract replacement surgery, which restores eyesight for those in danger of complete loss of vision. Over 150,000 patients across four states are served by ICARE annually. Continuing and scaling ICARE’s incredible efforts is only possible through generous support from supporters like you. During COVID 19, it is more important than ever to support the critical work of effective non-profit organizations like ICARE. The needs of the blind poor remain ever-present during the pandemic, while the financial support that underwrites ICARE’s work becomes more scarce. With your help, we can ensure that ICARE can continue to increase outreach and provide the necessary care for millions of vulnerable patients across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. Together, we can help combat preventable blindness in India.
In the summer of 2019, I went to volunteer and do an Observership in the ICARE Hospital for two weeks. I was able to see the Charity Hospital, do some volunteer work, talk to medical workers, and understand the ins and outs of the organization. It was an eye-opening(no pun intended) experience for me as I saw that I could make a difference with the work I was contributing to. If my work made a difference, then so can yours.
Please support the mission of ICARE. Each dollar is gratefully accepted. These donations are 501c(3) tax-deductible.
