Khyber Eye Foundation
Sight is the Basic Human Right
Visit of Ms. Rasheen Chaudhry and Dr. Farooq Awan to Khyber Eye Foundation: A Momentous Collaboration for Eye Health
Introduction: A Historic Visit to Khyber Eye Foundation
On October 9, 2024, the Khyber Eye Foundation welcomed two distinguished guests: Ms. Rasheen Chaudhry, Global Advisor at Fred Hollows Foundation, and Dr. Farooq Awan, Country Manager of the Fred Hollows Foundation. Their visit marks a significant moment for the hospital, where they were warmly received by the Khyber Eye Foundation leadership, including Chairman Mr. Muhammad Adnan Jaleel, Mr. Khalid Sultan Khwaja, Professor Dr. Shad Muhammad, Mr. Khwaja Yawar Nasir, Mr. Faiz Muhammad, and Mr. Khurshid Khan.
Their tour aimed to explore the remarkable work being done by the Khyber Eye Foundation in the field of ophthalmic health services. The visit not only demonstrated the mutual commitment of both organizations to fighting preventable blindness but also opened the doors for future collaborations in enhancing eye care services across Peshawar and beyond.
Warm Welcome and Initial Engagement at Khyber Eye Foundation
The delegation was enthusiastically greeted by the Khyber Eye Foundation’s senior management, who were eager to showcase the hospital’s advanced facilities and ongoing projects. After a comprehensive tour of the hospital, the visitors were escorted to the conference room where Administrator Mr. Obaidullah Siddiqui officially welcomed them.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Siddiqui expressed heartfelt gratitude for their time and interest in the foundation’s work. He highlighted how meaningful their visit was in affirming the shared goals of both the Fred Hollows Foundation and the Khyber Eye Foundation to combat blindness and provide top-tier eye care services to underserved populations.
In-Depth Presentation on Khyber Eye Foundation’s Achievements
During the meeting, Mr. Siddiqui, along with the Chairman and other board members, gave an in-depth presentation on the foundation’s history, achievements, and future plans. This presentation detailed the tireless efforts of the Khyber Eye Foundation in providing affordable, high-quality eye care to the community. The institution’s ophthalmic surgeries, extensive outpatient services, and state-of-the-art operating theatres (OTs) were highlighted as pivotal elements of their mission to fight blindness.
The presentation underscored several key accomplishments:
- Thousands of successful cataract surgeries, reducing preventable blindness.
- Establishing comprehensive screening programs for eye diseases.
- Continuous community outreach efforts, including free eye camps in rural areas.
The board also outlined the hospital’s vision for expanding services, including plans to establish satellite clinics across the Peshawar region to provide greater accessibility to eye care services.
Positive Feedback from Fred Hollows Foundation Representatives
After reviewing the presentation, Ms. Rasheen Chaudhry and Dr. Farooq Awan shared their deep appreciation for the work being done at the Khyber Eye Foundation. They commended the hospital’s relentless pursuit of excellence in ophthalmic services and were particularly impressed with the number of patients served annually and the high standards maintained in their surgeries and outpatient treatments.
Ms. Rasheen Chaudhry’s Comments
Ms. Chaudhry lauded the hospital’s efforts in improving community eye health, emphasizing that the services provided align perfectly with the mission of the Fred Hollows Foundation. She praised the leadership for their vision and determination in offering eye care to those in need, while also noting how the foundation’s strategic goals and mission to eliminate avoidable blindness could benefit from collaboration with Khyber Eye Foundation.
Dr. Farooq Awan’s Commitment
Dr. Awan expressed gratitude to the foundation’s team and remarked that the services being rendered by Khyber Eye Foundation are nothing short of humanitarian excellence. He acknowledged the tremendous potential for collaboration between the two organizations, particularly in the areas of capacity building and resource sharing.
Dr. Awan also provided some exciting news: the Fred Hollows Foundation is prepared to support Khyber Eye Foundation’s efforts to expand their operating theatres by providing essential medical equipment. Additionally, he mentioned that if Khyber Eye Foundation chooses to open satellite clinics across different areas of Peshawar, the Fred Hollows Foundation is ready to supply the necessary instruments and tools to make this vision a reality.
Exploring Future Collaboration Opportunities
The meeting also focused on the potential partnership opportunities between the two organizations. Dr. Awan emphasized the Fred Hollows Foundation’s commitment to providing not only medical equipment but also IT infrastructure, including computers and printers, to enhance the administrative and operational capabilities of the Khyber Eye Foundation.
Moreover, the conversation touched upon the feasibility of launching outreach programs targeting remote areas where access to eye care is limited. The idea of establishing satellite clinics was well-received, and both parties agreed that such initiatives would greatly increase the reach of essential eye care services, helping to reduce the burden of preventable blindness in rural communities.
A Symbolic Gesture of Appreciation
The visit concluded with a symbolic exchange of gifts, where the esteemed guests were presented with traditional Peshawari shawls as a token of appreciation for their time and valuable insights. The gesture was warmly acknowledged by both Ms. Chaudhry and Dr. Awan, who expressed their heartfelt thanks to the board and staff of the Khyber Eye Foundation for their hospitality and dedication.
Conclusion: Strengthening the Mission Against Preventable Blindness
The visit of Ms. Rasheen Chaudhry and Dr. Farooq Awan to Khyber Eye Foundation symbolizes a new chapter in the collaboration between the two foundations. The mutual commitment to fighting blindness, improving community health, and expanding access to quality eye care services was reinforced through this meeting. As both organizations move forward together, the potential for significant impact on ophthalmic health services in Pakistan is promising.
The Khyber Eye Foundation is poised to continue making strides in eliminating preventable blindness, and with the support of the Fred Hollows Foundation, the future of eye care in Peshawar and its surrounding areas looks brighter than ever.