Chakhu, a quaint tiny village nestled in the northern expanse of the Thar Desert, lies in the Phalodi district of Rajasthan. Home to just 600 resilient souls, this remote settlement is situated 152 kilometers northwest of Jodhpur, surrounded by the stark yet captivating beauty of the arid desert landscape. Despite its small size, Chakhu holds a unique significance as it hosts an outpost of Oil India Limited (OIL), a public sector enterprise spearheading oil exploration and production in the region.

It was OIL’s generous invitation and sponsorship that made our free eye camp at the Chakhu Panchayat Bhawan a reality. When the idea of the camp was proposed, we approached it with a mix of determination and apprehension. The village’s sparse population and isolated location raised doubts about the number of patients who might attend. However, our dedicated publicity team rose to the challenge with remarkable zeal. Ten days prior to the camp, they set out in a jeep, armed with loudspeakers and handbills, spreading the word far and wide across neighboring hamlets.

Their tireless efforts bore fruit beyond our expectations. On the day of the camp, the Panchayat Bhawan became a hub of activity, welcoming an impressive turnout of 135 patients. Each individual was carefully examined and treated for various eye ailments. Medications were distributed free of charge, bringing much-needed relief to those who might otherwise have gone without care. Among the attendees, seven patients were diagnosed with cataracts requiring surgical intervention. These patients were transported to Jodhpur, where they underwent successful cataract surgeries, including the implantation of artificial lenses – restoring not just their sight but their hope for a brighter future.

The accompanying photos vividly capture the spirit of this eye camp: the unwavering commitment of our team, the heartfelt gratitude of the community, and the profound transformation that access to quality eye care can bring. This camp stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and compassion, even in the heart of the desert.

To learn more about our non-profit work and to support us, please visit our website : www.TarabaiEyecare.org