As October celebrates both the International Day of Older Persons and World Sight Day, HelpAge Sri Lanka—a beacon of light in the lives of elderly individuals in need—appeals for support in their ongoing commitment to serve. World Sight Day falls on October 10th. HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL) is reaching out to the community and corporate partners to raise awareness and support for the “Gift of Sight” initiative. This campaign aims to provide critical eye care services to the underserved elderly population, a demographic facing significant challenges as Sri Lanka’s ageing population continues to rise.

HelpAge Sri Lanka’s Mission and Vision for the Elderly

Since its establishment in 1986, HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL) www.helpagesl.org  has been dedicated to uplifting the lives of the elderly poor. With the proportion of senior citizens expected to reach 25% by 2041, it is crucial to address the unique challenges they face in social security, health, and overall well-being.

Tilak De Zoysa, Chairman of HelpAge Sri Lanka, stated, “We are deeply committed to ensuring that our elderly community remains active and engaged. Our initiatives are designed to empower the elderly, and with the generous support of corporate partners, we can continue to make a tangible difference in their lives.”  

The Chairman expressed pride, in HASL’s efforts to combat preventable blindness, stating, “In early July, we surpassed the milestone of 50,000 free cataract surgeries at HelpAge Eye Hospital. As Sri Lanka’s longest-standing charity dedicated to serving the elderly, our mission is to ensure that seniors can live their golden years with dignity. This achievement underscores our commitment to transforming the lives of those in need and reinforces the importance of accessible eye care for our ageing population,” he said.

The Gift of Sight Campaign 2024

The “Gift of Sight” 2024 campaign successfully launched last year seeks to raise funds for 2,000 free cataract surgeries at HelpAge Eye Hospital in Colombo, the only charitable hospital of its kind in the country.

Samantha Liyanawaduge, Executive Director of HelpAge Sri Lanka, emphasized that more than 500,000 elderly individuals in Sri Lanka are at risk of losing their vision due to economic hardships, with many unable to afford essential eye care services. This campaign offers a unique opportunity for donors to sponsor cataract surgeries at Rs. 20,000 each. However, the actual expenses are significantly higher. To address this challenge, HelpAge Sri Lanka collaborates with community partners, including supportive doctors, to effectively manage these costs, he said.

The Impact of Vision Loss on Elderly Lives
Liyanawaduge emphasized the profound effects of vision loss on elderly individuals, stating, “It reduces their independence, increases reliance on caregivers, and diminishes their quality of life.” Vision loss can lead to isolation, depression, and strained relationships, while also limiting social and community engagement, further disconnecting them from their surroundings.

Community Engagement and CSR Opportunities
Tharika Goonathilake, Head of Community Relations, emphasized the urgent need for accessible and affordable eye care for the aging population. “By supporting the ‘Gift of Sight’ campaign, corporate partners can help preserve the dignity and independence of our elderly citizens.”
“Sight is the most vital sense, connecting us to the world, inspiring emotions, and shaping memories,” she noted, highlighting the immense threat vision loss poses to the elderly.

Goonathilake expressed deep gratitude to donors who have supported the campaign but stressed the need for ongoing assistance to sustain and expand these essential services.

She encouraged corporate partners to visit the HelpAge Eye Hospital in Wellawatte to witness the direct impact of their contributions and explore branding opportunities. The ‘Gift of Sight’ campaign also offers individuals a meaningful way to mark special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and memorials, through their support.

HelpAge Charity Eye Hospital: Ensuring Accessible and Affordable Eye Care
Established in 2002, HelpAge Eye Hospital, located at Wellawatte, Colombo provides free, cataract surgeries to disadvantaged elderly individuals. Led by leading Eye Surgeon Dr Jayantha Vidanapathirana and ably supported by a team of committed doctors and staff, the hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality cataract surgeries, using advanced technology like the Vision Enhancement system from Bausch and Lomb, USA. Dr. Champa Banagala, a senior HASL Council Member, oversees the hospital’s adherence and compliance standards.  The hospital performs an average of 20 surgeries daily, with annual costs exceeding Rs. 56 million. HelpAge’s mobile medical units also identify at-risk seniors, offering free eye exams, reading glasses, and bifocals, while identifying patients in need of cataract surgeries, reaching even the most remote areas.

Past Achievements and Impact
In 2023-2024, HASL made a significant impact on elderly communities. Mobile medical camps reached 28,484 individuals, providing eye screenings for 16,747 and general medical care for 11,732. Vision was improved for many through the distribution of 10,187 bifocal spectacles and 588 reading glasses. Additionally, 3,789 individuals with cataracts were identified and supported to ensure they received the necessary treatment. The Home Care Assistant Training programme equipped 270 individuals to enhance elderly care at home, while 590 seniors were empowered through capacity-building programmes that enriched both their lives and their communities. These efforts have restored vision, improved quality of life, and brought hope to those in need.

Urgent Call: HASL Seeks Support for 2,000 Cataract Surgeries

HASL is intensifying efforts to secure funding for these 2,000 cataract surgeries through its “Gift of Sight” campaign, responding to the growing need for free eye care services among disadvantaged elderly individuals.

Each cataract surgery costs Rs 20,000, and HelpAge is offering a unique opportunity for sponsors to make a profound impact by funding an entire day of surgeries. With a donation of Rs 400,000, corporate partners and individuals can cover the costs of 20 life-changing cataract operations in a single day.