In rural Sri Lanka, a pair of spectacles is more than just a tool for clearer sight, it is a gateway to independence, safety and improved quality of life. Particularly for elders and individuals with fixed or limited incomes, purchasing prescription lenses is often out of reach, especially amidst the ongoing economic crisis that continues to strain household budgets. With rising costs of living, essentials like food and medicine understandably take precedence, leaving many to silently endure deteriorating eyesight.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of two compassionate donors, Lalitha Mahadevan and Phil Ball, we have been able to address this pressing need and offer the priceless gift of vision to hundreds across the country.
Lalitha Mahadevan kindly donated 586 spectacles, which have now been successfully distributed to grateful beneficiaries across our Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centres in Kandy, Kotmale, Hatton, Maskeliya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee, Sittandy, Thirukkovil, Monaragala and Mahiyanganaya. Her support has made a tangible difference in the lives of recipients, allowing them to read, cook, sew, attend school and move around more confidently, basic tasks that become challenging when vision is impaired.
Meanwhile, Phil Ball made a heartfelt contribution of 944 spectacles, out of which 328 were initially distributed through the OYOB Centre of Excellence in Seenigama. While 11 pairs were unfortunately damaged, the remaining 616 spectacles have been distributed across our 20 Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centres in Rathgama, Monaragala, Thirukkovil, Bandarawela, Vavuniya, Dambulla, Kotmale, Ragala, Hatton, Mahiyanganaya, Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa, Ahangama, Maskeliya, Kandy, Udumulla and Sittandy, helping ensure no corner of the island is left behind.
For many elders, clearer vision means fewer falls and injuries, a restored ability to engage in livelihoods such as farming or craftwork and the sheer joy of seeing the faces of their grandchildren properly again.
We are deeply grateful to our donors, Lalitha Mahadevan and Phil Ball, for their unwavering belief in our mission and for helping to bridge the urban-rural divide. Their kindness has illuminated the path for so many, and their donations have transformed lives, one pair of spectacles at a time.
