40 Free Eye Checkup and Cataract Surgery
February 23 – March 02, 2025
Free Checkup & Cataract Surgeries Eye Camp
Hosted by
Science of Spirituality (SOS)
Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission (SKRM)
Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission Meets the Challenge
Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission (SKRM)/Science of Spirituality (SOS) has adopted the noble cause of eliminating preventable blindness due to cataracts. Twice a year, under the guidance of Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, world-renowned spiritual Master and head of SKRM/SOS, the organization sets up a Free Eye Checkup and Cataract Surgery Camp to restore vision among individuals especially in underserved communities living in Delhi and its neighboring regions who could otherwise not afford this cost-prohibitive surgery. The organization has partnered with I-CARE Hospital in Noida on this effort. All services at the camp, including the surgery are provided free of cost to all patients in need – made possible through the generous donation of time, talent and supplies spanning two continents.
The 39th eye camp, held in September 2024, brought the gift of sight to 865 patients.
The 40th eye camp is scheduled for February 23 – March 02, 2025. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for latest updates.
March 2025 Report
The 40th Free Cataract Surgery Camp restores vision of hundreds
Cataract: the Mute Malady
Cataract, or the clouding of the eye-lens, resulting in a gradual deterioration of vision, is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide, accounting for nearly one-third of global blindness. Additionally, it impacts the afflicted person’s physical well-being, self-dependence, and quality of life considerably, while also posing a substantial economic burden on individuals and society.
Cataract causes vision loss without early warning signs or symptoms, and by the time symptoms appear, the disease has often advanced significantly. While refractive errors in the eye-lens can be cured by wearing suitable glasses or lenses, cataract can only be removed through surgery. In a study conducted in 2024, the prevalence of cataract among adults in India was 14.25%, with higher rates among females and the older adults. Socioeconomic disparities also play a part, with lower prevalence of cataract among educated people residing in urban areas.
The Next Chapter in the Ongoing Saga of Selfless Service
Selfless service is a core tenet on the path of spirituality. In keeping with this, twice a year, Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission (SKRM)/Science of Spirituality (SOS) organizes a Free Eye Checkup and Cataract Surgery Camp to bring the gift of sight to people unable to afford this surgery. To bring this noble vision to fruition, the non-profit spiritual organization has teamed up with the ICARE Eye Hospital in Noida to perform free-of-cost cataract surgeries. Since the beginning of this initiative, the ICARE Eye Hospital has generously donated its operating theatres, doctors, and staff for this lofty cause. The surgeries are performed by the doctors of the ICARE Eye Hospital as well as by visiting doctors from the United States, who offer their skills free of charge in the spirit of selfless service. Over the years, SOS/SKRM has helped bring the gift of sight to around 20,000 people.
This year, the 40th Free Eye Checkup and Cataract Surgery Camp was organized from February 23 to March 2, 2025, at Sant Darshan Singh Ji Dham and Kirpal Bagh, Delhi, as part of the selfless service initiatives of the organization during the 36th International Human Unity Conference (February 22-23, 2025). The initial screening of patients was done on February 23 at Sant Darshan Singh Ji Dham. Out of the 1956 people screened here, 830 were operated upon throughout the entire next week. During this whole time, the patients were provided free housing, meals, and transport to the ICARE Eye Hospital in Noida, where they received their free cataract surgery.
Behind the Scene Support
On February 23, more than a couple of thousand people were checked thoroughly by the doctors and the medically trained staff of the ICARE Eye Hospital to identify patients eligible for cataract-removal surgery. Several SKRM volunteers also helped with the registration of the patients and the logistical process. Patients who were assigned date for their surgeries were provided complimentary house and board at Kirpal Bagh throughout the next week. From Kirpal Bagh, patients were transported to the ICARE Eye Hospital in Noida, the venue of the surgeries, on buses provided by the hospital, where talented doctors and staff at ICARE Eye Hospital, as well as a team of dedicated volunteer eye surgeons from the US, performed the cataract-removal surgeries. Along with the doctors, many SKRM volunteers worked tirelessly to maintain and fulfill the various on-ground and administrative concerns during the entire week-long camp. Following their surgeries, the patients were provided reading glasses and other essential amenities by SOS/SKRM to further assist and support them.
What the Doctor’s are saying
“The eye camp is very well-organized, with dedicated volunteers both at Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission (SKRM) and ICARE Eye Hospital. It’s inspiring to see so many people come together to provide free, high-quality care to those in need. The level of coordination ensures that each patient receives proper attention, making the experience rewarding for both medical professionals and volunteers,” said one of the volunteer eye surgeons from the US.
Another eye surgeon opined, “The impact (of the surgery) is life-changing. Most patients come in struggling with daily tasks, unable to recognize faces, read, or even walk confidently. After surgery, they regain not only their vision but also their independence. The joy and gratitude they express when they can see clearly again are truly moving. It’s incredible how something as simple as restoring sight can dramatically improve their quality of life.”
What the Patient’s say
72 year old Sanyogita Ahuja said, “I find it difficult to see in the daylight. A doctor I consulted had told me that I have cataract. After having my surgery here, I will be able to work and move about freely in the daylight and will not be dependent on anyone anymore. It is Maharaj Ji’s infinite grace that this service is being provided free-of-cost for the sangat, otherwise it is a very costly surgery outside, and I might not have been able to afford it.”
Chaman, who at only 36 years of age was suffering from cataract, had this to say, “My eyesight is very hazy and I’m unable to see clearly. My blood pressure is also high because of this. If my eyesight is rectified, my life would be much better. The arrangements here in this camp are excellent and I believe that my eyesight will be fully restored.”
After undergoing the surgeries, all patients expressed joy and gratitude at having their vision restored, especially after having experienced distress and discomfort for a long time. They all hoped the surgery will help them perform day-to-day tasks in an easy and effective manner, helping some to have improved relationships and some to have a steady source of income.
The Guiding Light
“Selfless service focuses us on helping others rather than serving only ourselves. It takes us out of selfishness and ego by giving us an opportunity to give to others. We become a source of help to others and can contribute to making the world a better place.” The quote is by Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, world-renowned spiritual Master and head of SKRM/SOS, whose life and teachings are a shining example of the true spirit of selfless service to all.
Selfless service signifies the help which is rendered lovingly and without any expectation of personal gain in return. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj teaches that it is our ethical and spiritual responsibility to share our skills and means with others, so as to help God’s children in need. He says, “There is no greater joy that can fill our heart than giving. All those who have ever given selflessly would have experienced that one never loses when one gives. We find more and more blessings raining down, unasked for, and our hearts are filled with godly love.”
About Us
Science of Spirituality
Science of Spirituality is a worldwide, spiritual organization dedicated to transforming lives, under the guidance of renowned spiritual Master Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj.
Science of Spirituality presents spirituality as a science that can be practiced by people of all backgrounds and faiths.
A short excerpt from a talk by Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj on Selfless Service.
“By serving selflessly, we expand our hearts from our own self to our family, to the community, our country, the world, and ultimately to the cosmos.”
