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Vision to help
REACHING OUT: The summer camp at L.V. Prasad Eye Institute.
SUMMER CAMPS are big business and that is not hard to tell going by the banners on every other street corner. Not surprising then that most homes of school-going children are quiet and the numerous summer camps are brimming with activity. These camps, however, are the privilege of children who are able in all respects.
Who, then, caters to the child who is differently abled? How many camps are willing to accept children with a physical disability? On May 9, a group of enthusiastic parents and children assembled at the inauguration of yet another summer camp at the L.V. Prasad Eye Institute. Five-year-old Sravya, a visually impaired girl from Vizag, sang the invocation song Varaveena. All the 30 other participants too are visually impaired. "This is Sravya's second camp and she looks forward to it as we have no such facility at Vizag. There is no institution where I can get any kind of assistance. Hence, I have to come to the city and spend three weeks here," says her mother.
COLOURS OF FUN: Drawing and colouring within pre-marked boundaries were some of the activities.
Held for the fourth consecutive year, the camp provides a platform for competitions, entertainment, and interaction for parents, visually impaired children and their siblings. Organised by the Rehabilitation Centre of LVPEI, for their patients in the age group of three to 15, the camp witnessed child participants whose vision impairment is in the `incurable' category, children with low vision or visually impaired children who are multi-handicapped.
Dr. M.S.A. Khan, director, Vision Rehabilitation Centre, says, "This camp is aimed at making sure that visually impaired children do not feel left out and can look forward to their summer vacation just as much as other children. It is important for them to know that someone cares."
STRIKE A POSE: The camp provides a platform for competitions.
Drawing, colouring within pre-marked boundaries, singing, skits, fancy dress, etc., are all rehearsed for two weeks prior to the camp. The qualified, dedicated staff is responsible for all the arrangements for both children and parents for three days filled with fun. Nine-year-old Sai Vindhya, a student of Neeraj Public School, is all smiles. "I enjoy the camp as I can make friends and we have a lot of fun together," she says. Her mother and younger sister, aged five who has normal vision, accompanied her. Siblings of the visually impaired are encouraged to join in as they learn how to deal with the situation and also learn to assist their sister or brother.
Abnormal eye structure, absence of a social smile by the fourth month and delayed developmental milestones are indications of a visual handicap in infants. Therefore, much importance is given to parental training, as early intervention helps in the child's upbringing and greatly influences their progress. Regular monthly programmes are held at the Centre, which is working towards this end, and each child is dealt with on a one-to-one basis.
AND THE WINNER IS: Actor Chiranjeevi with the participants.
Does duty not demand that every visually empowered citizen help his visually impaired counterpart? The next time you regret your child not being a little lighter in complexion, a little taller in height or a little less in weight, visit the Centre at LVPEI to be truly able to count your blessings. You can even contribute by giving a few hours of your time.
Before you enroll your child in the next summer camp, consider giving him or her the priceless exposure of being a volunteer with the differently abled. The appreciation for the gifts we take for granted will make for an unforgettable lesson, something no other camp can ever hope to inculcate in your child. It is imperative that we comprehend the magnitude of the adage `Aankhen hai anmol". To widen your vision, log onto www.lvpeye.stph.net or call 3608262.
PADMINI B. PATELL
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