Restoring Sight in India: Barnet Dulaney Perkins Life-Changing Cataract Mission

On November 26th, 2012, a team from Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center left for Baligeria, India, hoping to restore vision to over 250 tribal people from West Bengal and Odisha by performing free cataract surgeries.

“It was, all in all, an amazing experience. Although I was born in the US, my family background is from India, and so when an opportunity presented itself to perform a mission there, I was eager to go. I have visited India with my family several times. Still, I have never gone for a medical mission, and I had never been to the region of India in which our mission was located (a town near Calcutta).” Neil Atodaria, MD

198 Surgeries in a Week: A Mission Fueled by Purpose

Our team arrived at a modest orphanage, where we converted a small space into a makeshift operating room. Two surgeons performed an astounding 198 cataract surgeries in just under a week. We were struck by the overwhelming number of people living with blindness and the severity of untreated cataracts. Sadly, we eventually had to stop—our supplies had run out, even though the need had not.

Despite the limitations, we remain hopeful that our brief time there made a lasting difference for the individuals we were able to help.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this mission possible. A trip like this requires immense preparation, coordination, and heart. From those who traveled with us to those who worked behind the scenes, your selfless contributions brought light back into the lives of many.

“This was truly an amazing trip, and I am quite proud of the people I work with and our company for supporting the opportunity to make a difference in these people’s lives. I feel incredibly humbled that we could provide some desperately needed help. The reward of being able to help those less fortunate was tremendously worthwhile, and while many people were thanking us for the services we were able to provide, my response to them is simple … THANK YOU!” Neil Atodaria, MD

Schedule Your Eye Exam Today

While our team traveled across the world to bring sight to those without access, we’re reminded that vision care is just as vital here at home. Cataracts and other eye conditions often progress without noticeable symptoms—until it’s too late. Scheduling a comprehensive eye exam can catch problems early and help preserve your sight for years to come.