The Journey to Make Alipurduar Cataract Backlog Blindness Free

?As I stood on the stage on December 11th, 2024, watching the people of Alipurduar gather for a historic moment, a flood of memories came rushing back. Declaring the district cataract blindness backlog-free was a monumental milestone, but to me, it was more than an achievement—it was the culmination of an extraordinary journey that began in 2020.

When we first set foot in Alipurduar, the task ahead seemed overwhelming. The Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) baseline survey we conducted revealed a blindness prevalence rate of 1.4% in the district. The study indicated that the overall prevalence of blindness was nearly on par with the state average, highlighting the need for consistent focus on this district when planning state-level services. Adding to the complexity was its remote location, which demanded more resources compared to an accessible region. Yet, it was this very data that shaped our decision to begin our work there. Amidst these challenges, there was an undeniable sense of possibility. At Sightsavers India, we thrive on challenges, which demand determination and a commitment that goes beyond words.

Our journey started with groundwork. I vividly remember the team conducting field visits; they always shared their triumphs and challenges with me, and at each step, my respect grew fonder whether they faltered or rose.

Okay, back to the story—the scorching sun, the winding paths to remote villages, and, most importantly, the people they met along the way. We walked door to door, identifying individuals living in the shadow of blindness. The stories we heard were enough to make our resolve stronger: an elderly woman unable to recognize her grandchildren, a farmer who had abandoned his land, and children struggling to see the blackboard in their classrooms.

Every visit reinforced one truth: this wasn’t just about restoring vision; it was about transforming lives. We knew we couldn’t do it alone. Collaboration became the cornerstone of our mission, and we found steadfast partners in the Alipurduar District Health and Family Welfare Department. Our plan was audacious: to work towards reducing the prevalence of blindness below 0.3%.

It started block by block. We began covering the backlog systematically, focusing on one area at a time. I witnessed the CBBF announcements in one or two blocks as the journey unfolded.

Mobilising patients, especially from remote areas, required creativity and perseverance. Community awareness campaigns, health camps, and follow-ups became our tools to bridge the gap. At times, the scale of the task felt beyond comprehension. But every journey with a purpose does not come without the sense that we might fail. We knew this wasn’t a single motive purpose; many lives were involved. And that fear became our strength.

Then, in early 2024, we saw we weren’t getting enough cases. It seemed the journey might conclude in 2024, earlier than our original plan for 2025. We informed the donor and government and agreed to conduct an endline RAAB survey. The result was a revelation—Alipurduar District was Cataract Backlog Blindness Free!

Over four years, more than 15,000 cataract surgeries were facilitated. Fifteen thousand. This number will forever be etched in my memory because, beyond the statistics, it represented many untold stories of hope. I ask of you, a simple exercise: start counting—begin with 1 and reach 15,000. Now imagine the magnitude of lives transformed. That thought gives me goosebumps every time.

This wasn’t just a campaign; it was a movement, a collective determination to eliminate the cataract blindness backlog and bring light into the lives of thousands who had lived in darkness for far too long. But this mission was never just about treating the present; it was also about safeguarding the future. Our collaboration with the District Administration enabled us to screen nearly 196,000 children in government schools. Providing spectacles to children who needed them wasn’t just an act of care—it was an investment in their potential, ensuring that poor vision wouldn’t hold them back.

For me, this journey has been one of learning, resilience, and profound purpose. With every ounce of humility, to everyone who walked this journey with us, thank you Sampa Paul Sudipta Mohanty Dr Kalyan and of course the entire West Bengal team of Sightsavers India

Together, we’ve proven that no challenge is insurmountable when driven by collective will and compassion.

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