Mission for Vision: The Gift of Sight and Health in Rural Punjab
We are reaching out today to invite you to partake in an extraordinary endeavor that has been transforming and saving lives for over two decades. United Sikh Mission (USM), a USA-based non-profit organization, is committed to bringing light to the eyes and comprehensive health care to thousands of underprivileged individuals across Punjab, India.
Our Inspiration: A Vision for Rural Punjab
For over twenty years, USM has witnessed the quiet, devastating impact of preventable illness and poor vision in the remote, rural communities of Punjab. Our inspiration was simple: to bridge the vast gap in health access where a lack of basic eye care can mean the difference between a person earning a living and becoming dependent on their family.
This project, Mission for Vision, targets the most underserved populations—the elderly, the landless, and hardworking migrant labour families—who have little to no access to routine checkups, affordable medicine, or eyeglasses.
Why This Project Matters: Historical Impact
This annual health camp is not just a temporary solution; it is a life-changing intervention for thousands of people every year. Since 2005, our unwavering commitment has resulted in:
- 700+ eye camps organized across Punjab.
- Outpatient services and medication extended to over 367,575 patients.
- 38,627 sight-restoring surgeries conducted.
- 188,861 pairs of spectacles distributed.
- These astounding numbers are a testament to our relentless efforts and the generous support of our donors.
Since figures vary, it is best to visit our official website: https://unitedsikhmission.org/
Comprehensive Care: Our Camp Process and Services
We focus on two critical areas of health and follow a meticulous, patient-first process:
Restoring Productivity and Dignity (Eye Care & Surgery)
The elderly population is particularly vulnerable to sight loss from untreated cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Our full-care process is initiated weeks in advance with volunteers announcing the camp dates in approximately 10 villages per camp and providing transportation for elders to attend.
On the day:
- Patients undergo a one-day, full-care eye checkup.
- They receive free spectacles and essential medicine.
- If surgery is required, we coordinate free, sight-restoring eye surgery (costing approximately $50 per eye) at a local hospital, caring for the patient for one to two nights. This actively works to prevent permanent blindness and restores their ability to work and live with dignity.
Addressing Chronic, Silent Killers
Our screenings go beyond vision. By offering free blood-pressure and diabetes checks, we catch serious, chronic conditions early. This proactive screening, followed by free medication, prevents complications such as heart disease and stroke, significantly improving the health span of the rural population, including vulnerable migrant workers.
We ensure every attendee is cared for with food, tea, and snacks, and that they are sent back home safely with volunteers, especially the elders who don't have anyone to escort them.
Goals and Expansion: Lighting Up 2025
We are actively fighting geographic barriers by committing to reaching at least five new, remote villages each year.
As we prepare for our next wave of operations in 2025, we face the immense challenge of organizing 120 eye camps.
- Each camp can accommodate and serve between 500 and 1,000 patients.
- Each camp is planned to perform 50 surgeries and provide 350 spectacles.
- The total cost to run each camp, including surgeries, medicine, and spectacles, is $3,500.
- This scale is an endeavor that can only be achieved with the invaluable support of our Sangat—the community.
Donation Level
- $20 - The Gift of Sight: Covers the cost of one pair of prescription eyeglasses for a person whose vision is restored.
- $50 - The Full Screening: Funds a complete health checkup (eye care, BP, diabetes) for one patient, including basic medicines.
- $500 - The Medicine Chest: Purchases bulk stocks of essential, life-saving medicines for diabetes, hypertension, and common ailments for the entire camp duration.
- $1,000 - Restore Sight Permanently: Funds the full cost of free eye surgery (typically cataract removal) for one patient, including pre-op, procedure, and follow-up care.
- $3500 - Sponsor a Village: Helps cover the transport, logistics, and medical supplies necessary to reach one small, remote village.
How Funds Will Be Used:
We pride ourselves on maximising the impact of every dollar raised. All funds are directly allocated to the operational costs of the annual camp:
- 50% - Medical Supplies, Surgery, and Personnel: Covers thousands of spectacles, medicines, direct surgical costs, and modest stipends for the dedicated medical staff.
- 30% - Logistics and Outreach: Covers transporting equipment and staff to 50+ remote villages, setting up temporary facilities, and awareness campaigns.
- 20% - Administrative Overhead: A minimal portion for required documentation, permits, and coordination.
By supporting the United Sikh Mission and its Mission for Vision, you are investing in a proven model of care that delivers health, independence, and dignity, one village at a time.
View our work by clicking the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@UnitedSikhMission/videos
Please consider donating to United Sikh Mission today. With your support, we can illuminate thousands of lives with the gift of sight and hope.