PATIALA: The 31st free eye check-up and operation camp organised by the Vishwakarma Mandir Committee of Sanaur at Vishwakarma Temple concluded on Sunday.

During the camp over 800 patients were examined and given free medicines.A total of 65 patients were operated for cataract with phaco and were given intracocular lens implants.

A team of doctors led by Dr Sukhdip S Boparai, Chief Consultant of the Patiala Eye Hospital and Lasik Laser Centre, which included Dr Anuradha Raj, examined the patients and identified the patients who needed surgery.

Dr Boparai, speaking on the occasion, recalled how he had been motivated to organise free eye camps by his teacher and mentor, the legendary Dr Dhanwant Singh who is a winner of the Padamshri.

The Vishwakarma Mandir committee President Dr Anil Rooprai, Chairman Avtar Singh, Patron Surinderpal Rooprai, Secretary Mohan Lal Deva, Hans Raj Bhola, Sohan Lal, Ram Gopal, Jagdish Saggu and other members were also present at the occasion. Free food was arranged by the committee for the patients.

The Patiala Eye Hospital is performing almost all kinds of microscopic eye surgeries. It has been organizing free eye check-up camps in the rural areas of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan with the help of non-governmental organizations and social service organizations.

This includes phaco emulsification with intra ocular lens implant for the poor and needy patients free of charge. Dr Boparai, who is a Member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, has been a pioneer in eye care in the region and regularly attends most of the international eye conferences.