By Musisi Lwanga
The Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Eye Camp entered its second day on Saturday with an overwhelming turnout at Bukedea Teaching Hospital, where thousands of people have accessed free eye care services.
Organized in memory of Rajiv Ruparelia and spearheaded by the Ruparelia Foundation, the three-day outreach has already delivered critical services to at least 1,500 patients, including 125 successful eye surgeries.
Speaking on behalf of the foundation, Sheena Ruparelia, a member of the Board of Trustees, commended the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Anita Among, for her instrumental support in ensuring the success of the camp.
“We are incredibly grateful to Rt. Hon. Anita Among for her unwavering support and leadership. She has ensured that thousands of patients are not only treated but also accommodated here, especially those who cannot afford to return home. That level of care and compassion has made a huge difference in this camp,” Sheena said.
She noted that community response has exceeded expectations, highlighting both the demand for eye care services and the impact of the initiative.
“It’s been really overwhelming with the number of people who have turned up. We have screened over 1,100 patients so far, and more than 33 percent require surgery—about 330 people,” she revealed.
Significant progress has already been made in addressing critical cases, including both adult and pediatric surgeries.
“We have completed 12 surgeries for children and 88 adult surgeries, and we are still going strong. Many more patients are waiting, and we hope to treat as many as possible,” she added.
In addition to surgeries, the camp has distributed hundreds of prescription glasses, restoring vision for many, including young learners.
“We’ve given nearly 10 pairs of glasses to children so far, with more on the way from Kampala. Our first child received his first pair of glasses, which will greatly improve his school performance. For adults, about 400 glasses have been distributed,” she said.
Sheena emphasized that the initiative is not only about treatment but about transforming lives, fulfilling a purpose inspired by her late brother.
“This is a tribute to my brother Rajiv, who believed in doing big things. We hope people’s lives will be changed, that they can see, feel, and live differently after this,” she said.
She commended the numerous partners and volunteers whose collective effort has made the outreach successful.
“We are so grateful to all our partners and volunteers—from doctors and medical teams to organizations like Victoria University, Sino-Uganda, Pepsi, the Indian Association, and many others. This would not have been possible without you,” she noted.
Volunteers have gone beyond medical care to support patients’ welfare, including sheltering those unable to return home.
“We’ve had volunteers working day and night, helping patients in every way they can. It’s truly heartwarming to see such dedication,” she said.
The camp has also facilitated referrals for complex cases, including a child sent to the Uganda Cancer Institute for specialized treatment, with follow-ups already underway.
“We are not just screening; we are providing real solutions. Those who need further care are referred and supported,” she explained.
Sheena further commended the media for raising awareness about the camp and the broader need for accessible healthcare services.
“Thank you to the media for spreading the word and highlighting initiatives that not only diagnose but also treat and transform lives,” she said.
The Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Eye Camp continues through Sunday, March 29, offering free eye screening, treatment, surgeries, and distribution of glasses—bringing hope and restored vision to thousands across Bukedea and beyond.
