There are over 15 million blind people in India (vision less than 6/60). According to a survey conducted by NPCB - National Programme for Control of Blindness, 81% of blindness is due to cataract. The social and financial hardships created by blindness, gravely affect individuals and families in particular and the nation at large. Only a global effort can reduce this problem. The Dr. M.C. Modi Charitable Eye Hospital strives to bring in values of holistic approach in providing eye health as a means to reduce human suffering.

The mission of the institution is: "To see is the right of every human being and no one should remain blind for lack of simple delivery of eye care."

In 1980 Dr. M.C. Modi started the charitable eye hospital, which has evolved to be more than an eye hospital:

- It is a social organization committed to its goal of reducing blindness and providing services to all regardless of their capacity to pay.
-It is an institute contributing to the development of eye care through extensive research and study.

You would be amazed to know that Dr. M. C. Modi, a pioneer of mass eye surgery in India, since 1943 till 1990, had performed as many as 833 cataract operations in one day, visited 45,416 villages and 10,094,632 patients, making a total of 595,019 operations. This outstanding achievement won him the prestigious Padmabushan award.

There are many types of blindness. Speaking to the Bangalorebest team, Dr Amarnath Modi, son of Dr Modi, said, "Various kinds of eye diseases can be completely cured if they are identified within the age of eight years."

From a camp based hospital, under the supervision of Dr M.C. Modi, Modi hospital has grown up to be a full-fledged Hospital with all the latest equipments. "Initially, we were limited to certain surgeries only, but today we have some of the best equipments and we conduct around 8 to 10 operations a day", says Dr. Amarnath Modi. With only four main doctors and a few assistants, Modi hospital is considered to be one of the best eye hospitals in the world. The hospital has maintained its commitment by providing high quality compassionate eye care to all those in need.

Through a unique fee system and effective management, Modi hospital is able to provide free eye care to two-thirds of its patients from the revenue generated from its one-third paying patients. The fee structure offers an affordable range of prices to paying patients and free service to poor patients. Therefore, a greater number of people now have access to eye care, and Modi doctors are able to treat an extraordinary volume of patients. They conduct free eye camps in different parts of the city and some near by villages. They bring the patients to the hospital and treat them free. Modi eye hospital looks to the future with renewed strength to continue the mission to provide quality eye care and hope that some of what has been learnt will be useful to other eye care workers around the world.

For further information:
Dr.M.C.Modi Eye Hospital
Dr.M.C.Modi Road
Mahalakshmipuram layout
Bangalore 86

Deepa

Pics: Ravindra Nayak

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