A Teacher's Perception

Abraham Gnana Pradeep
Faculty Associate (Projects),
Aravind Eye Care System

Jeevarathinam was a retired teacher who stayed in Andipatti .She came to know about vision centre from her husband who was a reporter in one of the dailies. Her husband knew about all things happening around their town. He had asked his wife to visit the centre in Andipatti as he knew about Aravind eye hospitals and its reputation, for more than 10 years. He also came to know about the activities of the vision centre and believed that the centre would offer necessary treatment facilities similar to the hospital.

Jeevarathinam was 60 years old and had two sons. She visited the centre on the 5th of February 2005. She complained of poor clarity vision and glaring problems in her eye. She got herself registered in the vision centre by paying Rs 10 and a series of tests like the vision and refraction tests were done. Further examination was done and her blood and urine sugar level was tested for diabetics. Jeevarathinam was found to have diabetics, hence she was advised by the doctor to control her blood sugar level and then report for the cataract surgery in the base hospital .the consultation with the doctor was done by means of tele connectivity between the base hospital and theni.Jeevarathinam spoke to the doctor and enquired about her queries regarding cataract .Although she hesitated in the beginning, this proved to be a wonderful experience for her in interacting with the doctor through the web. The coordinator incharge of vision centre counseled her about the type of the problem and the mode of surgery she could avail, after which she was referred for surgery to the base hospital.Jeevarathinam Opted for a paying surgery as she could afford for that without much difficulty .she reported to the base hospital the next month. Preoperative examinations were done, and Surgery was done on her left eye after which she was discharged on the third day.

Jeevarathinam was asked to come for a follow-up after one month, when she reported in the vision centre. She was asked to continue the same spectacles which she wore earlier .Jeevarathinam revealed that she came to know about cataract and her eye condition only after visiting the vision centre. She was also happy that she could visit the vision centre whenever she wished as it was nearby; the staff members too were very cooperative. Now she was very comfortable in performing all tasks like reading, stitching and she had better clarity of vision.

"People would prefer vision centre since the charges were less and was a better place to get necessary treatment" said jeevarathinam.She was satisfied with the treatment services of the vision centre and took great interest in referring her grand children to the vision centre for eye testing. She said the vision centre was an ideal set up for people in rural areas nearby as they could access treatment facilities easily.Jeevarathinam added that the people in and around Andipatti had began to realize about the services of the centre and there could be better response in due course of time.