For many families across Kerala, access to quality eye care can determine not just how clearly they see the world, but how confidently they navigate their daily lives. Over the past several decades, Lions Clubs of MD 318 have built a steady and dependable network of support that brings essential vision services closer to the people who need them most. Two initiatives, in particular, stand out for their consistency, scale, and human touch—Nilambur Lions Club’s long-running SightFirst project and Mannar Lions Club’s Annual Cataract Surgery Camp.
For many families across Kerala, access to quality eye care can determine not just how clearly they see the world, but how confidently they navigate their daily lives. Over the past several decades, Lions Clubs of MD 318 have built a steady and dependable network of support that brings essential vision services closer to the people who need them most. Two initiatives, in particular, stand out for their consistency, scale, and human touch—Nilambur Lions Club’s long-running SightFirst project and Mannar Lions Club’s Annual Cataract Surgery Camp.
Nilambur Lions Club, District 318D1, has been conducting its SightFirst initiative for 31 consecutive years, in partnership with Aravind Eye Hospital, Coimbatore—one of India’s most respected centres for ophthalmic care. Each year, a medical team comprising doctors and paramedical staff travels from Coimbatore to Nilambur in Kerala to conduct screenings, diagnose conditions, and guide patients to appropriate treatment pathways. The model is simple but deeply effective: bring expert eye care to the community, remove financial and logistical barriers, and support patients at every step of their recovery.
The scale of Nilambur Lions Club’s camps is also reflected in their financial footprint, with each camp representing an investment of ₹30–40 lakh. By absorbing the full cost—from diagnosis to surgery and follow-up—the club ensures that treatment remains accessible to all, reaffirming the Lions’ belief that financial hardship should never stand in the way of sight.
Over three decades, this annual effort has screened more than 30,000 people and facilitated over 3,500 surgeries, including cataract correction, squint repair, and other ocular treatments.
Children from low-income families receive free eyeglasses through the Sight for Kids program, while senior citizens benefit from early detection and corrective procedures that improve both vision and independence. Club members accompany patients to Coimbatore for surgery, staying with them through admission, treatment, and follow-up—an approach that blends medical precision with thoughtful care. A month after each camp, Aravind’s medical team returns to Nilambur for post-operative checks, ensuring that healing is monitored and outcomes remain strong.
The club’s commitment extends throughout the year, offering assistance to anyone who needs further evaluation or treatment.
In Mannar, a different but equally impactful model of service has taken shape. On November 9, 2025, Mannar Lions Club, District 318B, conducted its 25th Annual Free Cataract Surgery Camp at Nair Samajam Akshara School. The camp drew over 300 community members, many of whom arrived with concerns that had long gone unaddressed due to cost, distance, or hesitation. The event was inaugurated by Mannar Police Station SHO Shri D. Rajeesh Kumar and attended by several district leaders.
Nearly 50 individuals were identified for cataract surgery and transported to Aravind Eye Hospital in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, for treatment. Eight club members accompanied the group, liaising with hospital authorities, and ensuring that each patient felt supported and informed. After successful procedures, every beneficiary was guided safely back home. The club allocated ₹2 lakh to cover all costs—travel, food, lodging, medical tests, and surgery—reflecting a thoughtful and fully inclusive approach.
When viewed together, these two initiatives tell a larger story. Nilambur Lions Club’s Journey for Sight program shows what long-term, structured partnerships can achieve, building trust and improving outcomes year after year. Mannar Lions Club’s annual camp demonstrates how focused, community-based interventions can respond quickly to local needs and deliver life-changing results. Both rely on the expertise of the Aravind Eye Hospitals and the commitment of Lions volunteers who bring empathy and continuity to every interaction.