Second Free Eye Screening Camp Held at Bait-ul-Hilal Chawalgam Kulgam

New Delhi, India Jul 12, 2026 ALN: The Jammu & Kashmir Alternative Care Network (JKACN) successfully organised its second Free Eye Screening Camp for children at the Bait-ul-Hilal (CCI) Chawalgam, Kulgam, managed by the J&K Yateem Foundation (JKYF). This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children living in Child Care Institutions (CCIs) and alternative care settings across Jammu & Kashmir.

The free eye screening camp was conducted in collaboration with the Dr. Om Prakash Eye Institute, Srinagar, which has established a reputation for its commitment to eye health and community service. The event underscores the importance of partnerships between healthcare providers and non-profit organizations in addressing the healthcare needs of marginalized groups. By offering these services at no cost, the camp aimed to alleviate some of the barriers that prevent children in these institutions from receiving necessary medical attention.

A dedicated team of ophthalmologists and eye care professionals from Dr. Om Prakash Eye Institute provided comprehensive eye examinations and vision screening services free of cost. This included not only basic vision tests but also more detailed examinations to identify any underlying eye conditions that could affect the children's vision and overall quality of life.

Approximately 70 beneficiaries attended the camp, including 50 resident children of the institution, along with staff members and caregivers. This turnout reflects a significant interest and need for such healthcare services within the community. Children who required further medical attention were counselled and referred for appropriate follow-up treatment, ensuring that their health needs would be addressed beyond the screening camp.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohd. Yaqoob, Secretary of the J&K Yateem Foundation, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the team of specialists from Dr. Om Prakash Eye Institute for their generous support and professional services. He highlighted the importance of such initiatives in promoting the well-being of vulnerable children, stating that the collaboration between JKACN and the eye institute is a testament to the collective effort needed to uplift those in need.

Yaqoob lauded the institute's commitment towards the welfare of these children and appreciated the dedication and compassion displayed by the medical team during the camp. He also thanked the members of JKACN for their visit to the CCI and for providing valuable suggestions on improving healthcare access for the children.

District functionaries and senior volunteers of the J&K Yateem Foundation also expressed their appreciation for JKACN's initiative to conduct a series of eye screening camps across Child Care Institutions in Jammu & Kashmir. They observed that these collaborative initiatives significantly strengthen access to preventive healthcare while fostering cooperation among organizations working in the child protection sector. This cooperation is vital, as it not only enhances service delivery but also promotes a holistic approach to child welfare.

Addressing the gathering, Feroze Ahmad, Convenor of JKACN, thanked Dr. Om Prakash Eye Institute, the management of J&K Yateem Foundation, Humanity – The Ultimate Faith, volunteers, partner organizations, and all participants for their contributions to the success of the initiative. His acknowledgment of the various stakeholders highlights the collective responsibility in addressing the healthcare needs of children in care settings.

Ahmad emphasized that JKACN remains committed to promoting collaborative learning and improving the quality of care for children through health interventions, institutional exchange visits, capacity-building programmes, and the sharing of best practices among Child Care Institutions and family-based alternative care stakeholders. This commitment is essential in ensuring that children in these settings receive not only immediate medical care but also long-term support for their development and well-being.

Following the screening camp, members of JKACN and participating organizations visited various facilities of the Bait-ul-Hilal (CCI) and Al Hilal Residential Education Institution, both run by J&K Yateem Foundation (JKYF). This visit provided an opportunity to observe the programs and facilities available to the children, further reinforcing the importance of quality education and skill development in their lives.

The delegation particularly appreciated the institution's Robotics Laboratory, modern educational facilities, personality development initiatives, and skill enhancement programmes. These efforts are seen as exemplary, equipping children with practical, technological, and life skills that are essential in today's rapidly changing world. Such initiatives not only enhance the educational experience but also prepare children for future challenges, ensuring that they can compete effectively in various fields.

Among those present on the occasion were Sarwar (IRRT), Sarir (Humanity – The Ultimate Faith), Mr. Aadil Farooq (Human Welfare Voluntary Organization – HWVO), and Mohammad Yaseen, District Representative JKYF Kulgam, along with other senior volunteers of J&K Yateem Foundation. Their collective presence underscores the collaborative spirit of this initiative and the shared commitment to improving the lives of children in care.

The appreciation expressed by these representatives for the institution's commitment towards providing a nurturing, child-friendly environment and promoting the holistic development of children through quality education, innovation, and life-skills education reflects a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive support systems for vulnerable children. Such systems are crucial for their overall development and future success.

This eye screening camp is part of a larger trend in Jammu & Kashmir where various organizations are coming together to address healthcare disparities among children, particularly those in institutional care. As the region continues to face various challenges, including socio-economic issues and limited access to quality healthcare, initiatives like these play a critical role in bridging the gap and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

In conclusion, the successful organization of the Free Eye Screening Camp at Bait-ul-Hilal (CCI) Chawalgam is a significant step towards enhancing healthcare access for children in Jammu & Kashmir. It highlights the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders in the child protection and healthcare sectors and sets a precedent for future initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of vulnerable populations. As more organizations recognize the importance of such collaborative efforts, it is hoped that comprehensive healthcare and educational support will become increasingly accessible to all children in need.