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We successfully completed our mission across the entire Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, covering:
17 educational zones
1,127 schools
A total student population of 375,108
Over 24 days, we lived and worked in these regions, braving extreme heat and humidity, travelling through remote areas, sometimes encountering wild elephants, and meeting thousands of children and their families.
We screened over 3,000 children, many of whom had never been examined by the so-called MOH (Medical Officers of Health). While rules and regulations exist on paper, the reality on the ground is heartbreaking—children in remote schools and those from impoverished families are too often forgotten.
We referred over 1,000 children to our volunteer eye surgeons, and over 2,000 children received free eyeglass frames—the most expensive component of eyewear in the country.
Along the way, I met single mothers, struggling fathers, and children from the poorest of the poor. I knew I couldn’t help everyone, but when my heart told me to act, I did. I personally stepped in where I could, using my own resources—beyond the scope of our vision care work.
We travelled more than 5,500 kilometres, transporting large boxes and equipment from Trincomalee to Batticaloa to Ampara, and finally to Dehiattakandiya—serving village after village.
To be honest, every member of our team fell ill at some point. Two of our optometrists had to leave early for treatment. Still, we persevered. With God’s blessing—and with the blessings of all of you who supported us—we accomplished our mission.
Mission accomplished!