TPRF Grant of $25,000 Provides Eye Care for Over 13,500 People in India

Seven Multi-Day Eye Clinics Receive High Praise from Participants

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF) gave US $25,000 to sponsor multi-day eye clinics in seven cities December 2009 through January 2010 that provided eye care free of charge to over 13,500 people in India.

Almost 10,000 people received prescription glasses, over 10,500 were given eye drops for infections, and more than 1,700 were diagnosed with cataracts and referred to hospitals for further treatment.

In 2007, the Health Ministry of India estimated that 1.1% of the population suffered from blindness, 80% of which was preventable. Yet millions are unable to receive the care that could preserve their eyesight.

TPRF has regularly sponsored eye clinics throughout India since 2003, providing professional care to those who could not otherwise afford it. To date, over 42,000 people have been treated in a total of 22 clinics sponsored by TPRF. Ophthalmologists, refractionists and other medical professionals donate their time to examine people, and volunteers organize and run the clinics.

Linda Pascotto, President of the Prem Rawat Foundation, says, "Conscious effort is made to treat each person who comes to these clinics with care, respect for their dignity, and concern for their comfort. Thousands of people who were unnecessarily handicapped by poor sight have been helped at these clinics." Shade, biscuits, fresh water, and a place to sit were provided for people as they waited to be examined. Hundreds of comments from people of all ages reflect their heartfelt appreciation.

One man commented, "Having reached here we got lot of respect, which we do not get even at home. Arrangements of distribution of packet of biscuits and water are very good. We are very happy."

Another, who had been to similar clinics, said, "We have been to other places, but we did not find such good and peaceful arrangements. We got new life here. We are very happy."

Dr. Madhu Gupta, who had donated her time at the Jaipur clinic, expressed, "The services provided in this camp were much better than that of other camps I have helped with. It provided free and selfless services to this poverty-ridden population belt."

A 50-year-old villager explained, "There can be no bigger gift than the gift of clear vision for me. I appreciate all the arrangements made by the Foundation."

About The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF)

Created in 2001, TPRF works to bring the message of peace of Prem Rawat, known also as Maharaji, to people around the world and partners with other charitable organizations to provide food, water, eye care and rapid disaster relief where it is most needed. For more information, visit: tprf.org

SOURCE The Prem Rawat Foundation