DAISight 2014
“Of all the senses, sight must be the most delightful.”- Helen Keller
Our eyesight is our greatest asset. Therefore, we must work towards a world in which eye problems are punctually and correctly diagnosed, and the appropriate help is provided to all individuals of society who require it. The DAISight initiative is a CAS activity for Year 11s that aims to do just that. This activity works in alliance with the Lotus Hospital and College of Optometry, Juhu, to provide free eyesight screening, check-ups and further assistance to those in need. People living in impoverished conditions cannot afford the luxury of paid healthcare, and hence never get diagnosed with serious conditions that could be easily cured if spotted in time. DAISight encourages people to come for a checkup and even offers free spectacles to those who need it.
DAISight students attending induction at Lotus College of Optometry
Walking apprehensively into the underprivileged community for the first time, we found nothing was as expected. Though all of us had different expectations going in, all of us were surprised. We assumed that the members of the community would be reserved and tense around us, but they welcomed us warmly, and were very excited to begin their check-up. Their level of enthusiasm warmed our hearts and it was an eye-opening experience to walk into an underprivileged world. It felt as debilitating as stepping out of a sheltered bubble.
Street Play for awareness of Eye-Camp
Some of us conducted the eye screening and recorded the levels of visibility that the underprivileged people had, as well as their medical histories. While enquiring about the medical history we found that many of them had not had the opportunity to treat their ailments previously, and also found out a little about their backgrounds. The feeling of helping them was unlike any other. It was the first time that most of us were involved in offering service to the community and it was a feeling that could never be put into words. For the first time, we were able to see the effects of our actions. Suddenly, in those few hours, we felt an inexpressible need to help them and we were ready to go through innumerable obstacles to achieve our goal.
DAISight students involved in registration of patients with the Lotus College doctors during Eye-Camp
Some of us also worked inside the Reliance Mobile Van, a vehicle that travels from community to community, providing diagnosis and medication for general problems. We assisted a team of doctors and handed out necessary medication to the people. This experience not only taught us the importance of basic healthcare, but also allowed us to interact with the people of the community.
Our eyesight is our greatest asset. Therefore, we must work towards a world in which eye problems are punctually and correctly diagnosed, and the appropriate help is provided to all individuals of society who require it. The DAISight initiative is a CAS activity for Year 11s that aims to do just that. This activity works in alliance with the Lotus Hospital and College of Optometry, Juhu, to provide free eyesight screening, check-ups and further assistance to those in need. People living in impoverished conditions cannot afford the luxury of paid healthcare, and hence never get diagnosed with serious conditions that could be easily cured if spotted in time. DAISight encourages people to come for a checkup and even offers free spectacles to those who need it.
DAISight students attending induction at Lotus College of Optometry
Walking apprehensively into the underprivileged community for the first time, we found nothing was as expected. Though all of us had different expectations going in, all of us were surprised. We assumed that the members of the community would be reserved and tense around us, but they welcomed us warmly, and were very excited to begin their check-up. Their level of enthusiasm warmed our hearts and it was an eye-opening experience to walk into an underprivileged world. It felt as debilitating as stepping out of a sheltered bubble.
Street Play for awareness of Eye-Camp
Some of us conducted the eye screening and recorded the levels of visibility that the underprivileged people had, as well as their medical histories. While enquiring about the medical history we found that many of them had not had the opportunity to treat their ailments previously, and also found out a little about their backgrounds. The feeling of helping them was unlike any other. It was the first time that most of us were involved in offering service to the community and it was a feeling that could never be put into words. For the first time, we were able to see the effects of our actions. Suddenly, in those few hours, we felt an inexpressible need to help them and we were ready to go through innumerable obstacles to achieve our goal.
DAISight students involved in registration of patients with the Lotus College doctors during Eye-Camp
Some of us also worked inside the Reliance Mobile Van, a vehicle that travels from community to community, providing diagnosis and medication for general problems. We assisted a team of doctors and handed out necessary medication to the people. This experience not only taught us the importance of basic healthcare, but also allowed us to interact with the people of the community.
The highlight of our effort so far was the DAISight Eye Camp on the 8th of November. It was quite a large scale event involving around 200 people who came from the neighborhood as well as the school community to get their eyes screened. We divided ourselves into groups and worked with doctors from Lotus Hospital to help these people. The steep number of people we helped that day made us feel incredible; it was truly a productive day. Our efforts at trying to advance the health of another person by our actions made us feel humbled and honored.
Working with DAISight we have realized that no matter how small a gesture towards helping others, it goes a long way in providing happiness and well-being. We take our vision and good healthcare for granted; we don’t realize how privileged we are to be able to afford expensive healthcare treatment. Working with the community has not only aided them, but also helped us into becoming more empathetic individuals.
DAISight student supporting the doctor for basic vision screening
DAISight students supporting the doctor for basic vision screening
DAISight students supporting the doctor for basic vision screening
DAISight students with the Doctor at the end of the service session
- DAISight Team
Working with DAISight we have realized that no matter how small a gesture towards helping others, it goes a long way in providing happiness and well-being. We take our vision and good healthcare for granted; we don’t realize how privileged we are to be able to afford expensive healthcare treatment. Working with the community has not only aided them, but also helped us into becoming more empathetic individuals.
DAISight student supporting the doctor for basic vision screening
DAISight students supporting the doctor for basic vision screening
DAISight students supporting the doctor for basic vision screening
DAISight students with the Doctor at the end of the service session
- DAISight Team