For Budhan Turi of Palmo, difficulty seeing affected both everyday tasks and his sense of independence. A village health camp and follow-up support from SPS helped him obtain cataract surgery without having to meet the treatment costs himself.
Living with reduced vision
Budhan was 65 when the case study was recorded. His sons had moved to Delhi for work, while members of the extended family remained in the village. Budhan and his wife stayed with their sons' families in turn.
Reduced vision made it difficult for him to help with household work. He wanted to see his family clearly and contribute to daily tasks, but the cost of treatment felt out of reach.
A diagnosis at the village camp
In June 2022, SPS organised a free health check-up camp in Palmo under the Community Empowerment Project-2. Budhan attended and had his eyes examined. The doctor identified cataracts and advised surgery.
SPS team members explained the proposed treatment and the support available. Budhan initially considered waiting until a son could be home the following year. The team encouraged him to discuss the opportunity with his family so that he could receive care sooner.
Support through treatment and travel
With assistance from the organisation, Budhan travelled to Ramakrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital in Deoghar, where the case study reports that his cataract operation was completed successfully and free of charge. Travel expenses were also covered, reducing the financial pressure on his family.
Seeing daily life differently
At follow-up, Budhan said he could see clearly again and felt much happier. The support had reduced the family's medical expenses and helped him look forward to participating more fully in everyday activities.
He thanked SPS and the team for their help. His experience demonstrates the importance of the practical steps between a health camp and completed care: explaining the referral, discussing concerns, arranging travel and helping meet the costs.
This is an account of Budhan's reported experience in 2022; individual medical needs and treatment outcomes vary.