Hi, my name is Clodagh Carroll and I am a third year optometry student in TUD.

This November, I have the incredible opportunity to travel to Kolkata, India with Specsavers and The Hope Foundation to volunteer, providing vital eye-care to those living in Kolkata’s street and slum communities.

I will be volunteering as part of the blindness eradication programme established by Specsavers and The Hope Foundation which aims to increase awareness of eye health and provide much needed eye-care in Kolkata.

Throughout the week, we will be carrying out eye screenings, offering free eye exams to those of all ages who have limited or no access to basic eye care, providing prescription glasses to those who need them, and offering referrals and treatment in the HOPE hospital where necessary. Day and night clinics will be set up on the streets, in schools and wherever possible to ensure we see as many individuals as we can.

The funds raised will go directly towards providing prescription glasses for those in need, surgery and further care in the HOPE hospital, and sponsoring the education of students in Kolkata undertaking the two year optometry degree.

Each and every donation will directly help provide essential eye care, improve quality of life, and support long-term change in Kolkata. Any donations are greatly appreciated, thank you so much for your kindness and support!

- Clodagh

For more information on the work of The Hope Foundation, follow the link below:

https://www.hopefoundation.ie/what-we-do/healthcare/#blindness