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This project builds on the successful implementation of Rotary District Grant P-4809 (2023-24) of Fort Collins After Work in Sindhuli and Ramechhap, which demonstrated the transformative impact of community-based eye care.
Key achievements of the previous project
• 4,745 people screened
• 211 students received prescription eyeglasses
• 689 adults received adjustable prescription glasses
• 87 adults received free cataract surgery
• 10.5% of children identified with refractive errors
In addition to refractive error, eye injuries were identified as a major cause of visual impairment among schoolchildren, largely due to environmental exposure, outdoor play, and limited awareness of eye safety.
Untreated vision problems were found to significantly affect:
• Children's academic performance
• Adult productivity and livelihood opportunities
• Overall quality of life
Existing Rotary Investment in Education Infrastructure
All five target schools except Kaushika Secondary School
• Kaushika Secondary School
• Bal Secondary School
• Shree Prabhat School
• Bal Kalyan School
• Patan Devi School
have already been rebuilt and supported by the Rotary Club of Fort Collins following the earthquake.
In addition:
• Students from these schools receive annual stationery support through Rotary Fort Collins afterwork -sponsored programs since last 8 years.
This long-term partnership has:
• Improved access to safe learning environments
• Increased school enrollment and retention
• Strengthened trust between the community and Rotary
However, teachers have reported that many students are still unable to fully benefit from improved classrooms and learning materials due to uncorrected vision problems.
This proposed eye-health project is therefore a natural and strategic continuation of Rotary's investment in education, ensuring that students can see, learn, and succeed.
Following the success of the previous eye-care project, Golanjor Rural Municipality and the school leadership formally requested this follow-up intervention.
Community Profile
Golanjor Rural Municipality is one of the nine municipalities of Sindhuli District in Bagmati Province.
According to the 2021 national census:
• Total population: 18,737
o Male: 9,229 (49.3%)
o Female: 9,508 (50.7%)
• Geographic area: 184.12 sq. km
The municipality is rural and geographically dispersed, with no access to specialized eye-care services.
Target Beneficiaries
School Children -2,382 students
From the following Rotary-supported schools:
• Kaushika Secondary School
• Bal Secondary School
• Shree Prabhat School
• Bal Kalyan School
• Patan Devi School
Community Members - 4,200 people
Parents, caregivers, and surrounding rural population.
Statement of Need
Evidence from the previous Rotary project shows:
Among children
• 10.5% prevalence of refractive error
• Eye injuries as a major cause of vision problems
• Direct impact on:
o Reading ability
o classroom participation
o school attendance
Among adults
• ~60% prevalence of refractive error
• ~18% cataract prevalence
Despite improved school buildings and learning materials provided through Rotary support, uncorrected vision remains a major barrier to educational success.
Project Goal
To improve educational outcomes, community health, and quality of life by providing accessible, free, and sustainable eye-care services.
Project Objectives
1. Conduct comprehensive vision screening in schools and communities
2. Provide prescription eyeglasses to children and adults in need
3. Facilitate free cataract surgeries
4. Provide treatment for eye injuries and infections
5. Train local health and school personnel
Project Activities
• Vision screening camps
• Eyeglasses distribution
• Cataract surgery referral and treatment
• Eye medicines and injury care
• Training and capacity building
(Implementation in partnership with Tilganga Institute and DOT Glasses.)
Project Budget (Draft)
Item
Quantity
Unit cost
Total
Prescription eyeglasses adjustable easily non breakable
900 pairs
$7.50
$6,750
Eye medicines
Lump Sum
$1000
Total Funding Requested: $7,750
In-kind contributions:
• Transportation & logistics → Golanjor Rural Municipality
• Technical support → Tilganga & DOT Glasses
• Local coordination → Rotary partners
Expected Outcomes
• 6,500+ people screened
• 900 individuals receive eyeglasses
• Cataract patients regain sight
• Early treatment of eye injuries among children
• Improved academic performance
• Increased productivity among adults
• Strengthened local health capacity
Monitoring and Evaluation
• Screening records
• Glasses distribution tracking
• Cataract surgery completion reports
• Training attendance and competency tracking
• School feedback on student learning improvement
Sustainability
• Trained local personnel will continue early detection and referral
• Municipal ownership ensures continuation
• Strong existing Rotary-school partnership ensures long-term impact
• Data will guide future Rotary projects
Alignment with Rotary Areas of Focus
• Disease prevention and treatment
• Basic education and literacy
• Maternal and child health
• Community economic development
Conclusion
Rotary Fort Collins Afterwork has already rebuilt the schools and supported learning materials.
This project ensures that students can fully benefit from that investment by restoring their sight.
With Rotary's support, this initiative will:
• Enable children to see and learn
• Prevent avoidable blindness
• Improve livelihoods
• Transform the future of rural communities
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