Give the Gift of Sight to the poor in India

Often when I am speaking about Aravind at an event, someone will come up to be afterwards and say that their grandparent had cataract surgery at Aravind. This touches me deeply.

Because blindness and preventing blindness is a family affair. 

It not only affects the daily life of everyone in the immediate family -- it can affect the well-being of future generations.

From Childhood Cancer Survivor to Professor

When Professor Prabakaran was two years old, his grandmother noticed that he had difficulty seeing through his right eye. She brought him to Aravind Eye Hospital - Madurai where doctors diagnosed him with retinoblastoma, an eye cancer that primarily affects young children.

To prevent the cancer from spreading and protect his life, Prabakaran’s right eye was surgically removed. Despite losing an eye at such a young age, he went on to pursue his education and ultimately earned a Ph.D. in engineering. Today, he serves as an Assistant Professor at an engineering college in Dindigul.

Early Screening Saves His Daughter’s Sight

Prabakaran married in 2018, and the couple welcomed their daughter Parkavi a year later. Because retinoblastoma can be inherited, the family understood the importance of having her eyes examined.

At just 6 weeks old, Parkavi underwent screening at Aravind. The examination revealed small lesions in both eyes, and she began targeted laser therapy. Following her treatment, Parkavi received monthly examinations so that doctors could closely monitor her condition. Today, Parkavi's cancer is cured and she has 20/20 vision in each eye.

At the time, Prabakaran and Parkavi also received free genetic testing which confirmed that they both carried the gene for hereditary retinoblastoma.

Reassurance for the Next Generation

In 2023, the family welcomed a baby boy. Given the family’s medical history, he also received an early eye examination. His eyes were found to be healthy, and testing confirmed that he did not carry the gene for retinoblastoma.  As a precaution, he's screened every six months, but it is unlikely that he or his children will ever develop eye cancer.

Thank you for your gifts of sight and hope

Your gifts help us identify and treat eye cancer early, counsel families about genetic risks, and ensure that children receive the follow-up they need.

But for families like Prabakaran’s, this support means more. It means the opportunity to grow, learn, and pursue dreams.  It is hope.  

In gratitude, 

Donna Campbell, Executive Director

To See All as One. To Give Sight to All -- From the journals of Dr. G. Venkataswamy, Founder of Aravind Eye Care System