A Joint Effort for Vision Care
On
May 23, 2024, the Eshwar Nagar Residents Welfare Association, in collaboration
with the Department of Optometry and the One Sight EssilorLuxottica Foundation,
organized a commendable event at TMA Pai Polytechnic, Eshwar Nagar, Manipal.
This event culminated in a medical check-up camp held in March 2024 to address
the community's healthcare needs. The primary focus was distributing free
spectacles to those with vision problems during the camp.
Sri
Rajavarma Ariga, President of the Eshwar Nagar Welfare Association, delivered a
comprehensive account of the program, highlighting the association's history
and its unwavering commitment to community welfare over the past 18 years. He
elaborated on the association's various initiatives designed to foster strong
relationships among members and deliver tangible benefits to the community.
Among these initiatives, the recent medical check-up camp was a significant
effort to enhance community health.
The
Impact of the Medical Check-Up Camp
In
collaboration with KMC Manipal, the Eshwar Nagar Residents Welfare Association
organized a medical check-up camp on March 3, 2024, under the guidance of Dr.
Arun Maiya, Dean of the Manipal College of Health Professions. The camp
featured comprehensive health screenings, including blood pressure, glucose
levels, bone density, eye exams, and ECG tests. These screenings led to the
identification of various health issues, enabling timely intervention and
treatment.
As
part of this initiative, Dr. Krithica S., Head of the Department of Optometry,
played a crucial role in facilitating the provision of free spectacles. Her
efforts, in collaboration with the One Sight EssilorLuxottica Foundation,
ensured that 24 community members would receive the necessary eyewear,
significantly improving their quality of life. The cost of these spectacles,
typically ranging from Rs. 2500 to Rs. 3500, was covered entirely, showcasing
the community's commitment to accessible healthcare.
Celebrating
Community Spirit
The
event welcomed several esteemed guests, including Dr. Arun Maiya, the Chief
Guest. He was joined by Dr. Krithica S., Dr. Sharath, Clinical Supervisor of
the Department of Optometry, Sri Kantharaj, Principal of TMA Pai Polytechnic,
Dr. Vignesh, Intern in the Department of Optometry, Dr. Yagnesh Sharma, former
President of the association, Sri Manjunath, Councillor, Sri Radhakrishna
Samanth, Sri Ganapathi Kamath, Treasurer of the association, Sri Srinivas Rao,
Senior Advisor of the association, and Dr. Sureshramana Mayya, former President
of the Eshwar Nagar Residents Welfare Association.
Dr. Arun Maiya, in his address, emphasized the dedication and commitment of both the Association and MAHE to community welfare. He elaborated on the health check-up camp held on March 3, highlighting its role in identifying several health concerns within the community. The camp offered a range of screenings, including blood pressure, glucose levels, bone density, eye exams, and ECGs. As a result, numerous health issues were detected early, allowing for timely intervention. Additionally, participants received sample medicines and advice for further follow-ups.
Dr.
Maiya also shared how a request was made to Dr. Krithica to provide free
spectacles to those in need. She readily agreed and coordinated with the
industry to secure the spectacles, which would typically cost Rs. 2500 to 3500,
at no cost to the Eshwar Nagar community. To ensure high quality, some time was
taken to finalize the distribution. Dr. Maiya encouraged the beneficiaries to
have their eyes checked every six months, assuring them that the Department of
Optometry is pleased to offer this ongoing service.
Educational
Excellence and Community Engagement
Sri
Kantharaj, Principal of TMA Pai Polytechnic, commended the Eshwar Nagar
Residents Welfare Association for their outstanding community service. He
provided an overview of the Polytechnic's diverse educational offerings,
including eight engineering branches and 18 skill labs, part of the Manipal
Skill Development Center. This centre, affiliated with the National Skill
Development Corporation (NSDC), ensures that students receive
industry-relevant, job-ready education. Under the leadership of Brig (Dr.)
Surjit Singh Pabla, the centre imparts cutting-edge skills in robotics, 3D
printing, CNC, IT, woodworking, drone technology, power and energy systems,
industrial automation, IoT, PCB design, digital printing, refrigeration and air
conditioning, animation technology, beauty and wellness, interior design, and
more.
Sri
Kantharaj highlighted the institution's commitment to supporting students from
economically disadvantaged backgrounds, explaining that if a parent's income is
less than Rs. 4 lakhs, banks will cover the entire educational expenditure. He
also mentioned the provision of hostel facilities, mess food, and lateral entry
benefits, ensuring that even students who initially struggled academically have
ample opportunities to succeed and secure promising careers.
The event concluded with the distribution of spectacles by Dr. Krithica S., marking a significant moment for the beneficiaries. Dr. Sureshramana Mayya, an Executive Committee member of the Eshwar Nagar Residents Welfare Association, proposed a vote of thanks to all participants and contributors. The program ended on a patriotic note with the National Anthem, symbolizing unity and shared purpose in enhancing community well-being. Shri Harish G Kalmadi, Executive Committee Member of Eshwar Nagar Residents Welfare Association compered the entire programme.
This
event exemplifies the power of community collaboration and the positive impact
of accessible healthcare initiatives. By addressing the vision needs of its
members, the Eshwar Nagar Residents Welfare Association, along with its
partners, has once again demonstrated its dedication to fostering a healthier,
more connected community.
