DMCH’s centre makes quality eye care accessible in village

A revolution in rural healthcare has begun at Pohir village as the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMC&H), in collaboration with Seva Canada Society, inaugurated its first Roshani Vision Centre, marking a significant step towards accessible eye care for the state’s underserved communities.

The centre, launched under Project Roshani, aims to provide comprehensive eye examinations, spectacles, and surgical referrals to both children and adults.

“We are committed to ensuring that every individual receives the gift of sight, regardless of geography or affordability,” said Dr Priyanka Arora, professor of ophthalmology and project lead. Her words reflect the centre’s mission: to bring quality care beyond hospital walls.

The inauguration was attended by senior members of the DMCH Managing Society, including Sudershan Sharma, Bipin Gupta and Mukesh Verma, along with faculty from the departments of ophthalmology and community medicine.

Dr Bishav Mohan, chief cardiologist, called the initiative “a restoration of hope and dignity for those whose lives are limited by visual impairment.”

For 62-year-old Surjit Kaur, the centre is nothing short of a blessing. “I’ve been struggling to thread a needle for months. Today, I got my eyes checked and received spectacles—without having to travel to the city,” she said, smiling through tears.

Baldev Singh, a farmer from a nearby village, echoed the sentiment: “I didn’t know my blurry vision was due to cataract. They explained everything and helped me register for surgery. It feels like someone finally sees us.”

Dr Anurag Chaudhary, head of community medicine, emphasised the integrated model behind the project. “This partnership between community medicine and ophthalmology is a blueprint for sustainable rural healthcare.”

The centre also received technical support from Dr Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, Delhi, and generous funding from Harpartap and Harinder Dhillon of Ghungrana village, representing Seva Canada. “Their contribution has built a bridge between compassion and care,” said Dr SP Singh.

As wheat sowing season begins and rural families prepare for winter, the Roshani Vision Centre stands as a symbol of clarity—both literal and metaphorical. It’s not just about treating the eyes; it’s about seeing people, their struggles and their right to health.

In Pohir, the light of vision is no longer a distant hope—it’s a reality, one patient at a time.