Kulgam, Jul 11: 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).
The initiative was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Om Prakash Eye Institute, Srinagar, as part of JKACN’s continuing efforts to improve healthcare access for children living in Child Care Institutions (CCIs) and alternative care settings across Jammu & Kashmir.
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.
Around 70 beneficiaries, including 50 resident children of the institution along with staff members and caregivers, underwent detailed eye examinations. Children requiring further medical attention were counselled and referred for appropriate follow-up treatment.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohd. Yaqoob, Secretary, J&K Yateem Foundation, while giving the introduction of JKYF, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the team of specialists from Dr. Om Prakash Eye Institute, Srinagar, for their generous support and professional services.
He lauded the institute’s commitment towards the welfare of vulnerable children and appreciated the dedication and compassion displayed by the medical team in conducting the camp. He also thanked the members of JKACN for visiting the CCI and giving valuable suggestions on the occasion.
District functionaries and Sr. Volunteers of the J&K Yateem Foundation also appreciated JKACN for initiating a series of eye screening camps across Child Care Institutions in Jammu & Kashmir.
They observed that such collaborative initiatives significantly strengthen access to preventive healthcare while fostering cooperation among organisations working in the child protection sector.
Addressing the gathering, Feroze Ahmad, Convenor, Jammu & Kashmir Alternative Care Network (JKACN), thanked Dr. Om Prakash Eye Institute, the management of J&K Yateem Foundation, Humanity – The Ultimate Faith, volunteers, partner organisations, and all participants for making the initiative a success.
He stated 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.
Following the screening camp, members of JKACN and participating organisations visited various facilities of the Bait-ul-Hilal (CCI) and Al Hilal Residential Education Institution both run by J &K Yateem Foundation (JKYF).
The delegation particularly appreciated the institution’s Robotics Laboratory, modern educational facilities, personality development initiatives, and skill enhancement programmes, describing them as exemplary efforts that equip children with practical, technological, and life skills.
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, Mohammad Saidullah CEC member JKYF Kulgam and Sr. Volunteers of J&K Yateem Foundation, who collectively appreciated 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
