Youth undergoes surgery free of cost at an Eye Hospital in Mysuru

Periyapatna: An 18-year-old youth, who was suffering from severe eye disease, which could have made him lose his vision, was operated upon free of cost at a private eye hospital in Mysuru. Thanks to Rotary Periyapatna and the initiative taken by Past Rotary 3181 Assistant Governor B.V. Javaregowda for helping the youth and getting the surgery done for free.

Theerthaprasad (Tejas), a resident of Nehru Circle, the only son to his parents, is the youth. He distributes Star of Mysore newspaper in the town and also takes up other works for a living. He had to stop pursuing his education due to financial issues and was taking care of his ailing father. After his father passed away a few months ago, Tejas took up the responsibility of his family comprising his mother and others. But fate played a game with Tejas, who suddenly picked up an eye disease which severely affected his livelihood.

Tejas then consulted Dr. Pramod, an Ophthalmologist at Periyapatna Government Hospital, who apprised Tejas about the disease (corneal disease) and told him that surgery was the only way to save his vision. After providing first-aid, Dr. Pramod advised him (Tejas) to get himself admitted to K.R. Hospital in Mysuru.

Corneal disease is a serious condition that can cause clouding, distortion, scarring and eventually blindness.

Periyapatna Star of Mysore representative, who took up the responsibility of getting Tejas treated at K.R. Hospital, contacted a few senior journalists in Mysuru, who in turn contacted a few eye specialists at K.R. Hospital for providing treatment to Tejas. Meanwhile, K.R. Hospital doctors, who checked Tejas’ eyes, told him to get himself treated at a private hospital. But Tejas became depressed after learning about the cost for the surgery.

Again, Star of Mysore Periyapatna representative swung into action and contacted B.V. Javaregowda, a well-known senior advocate of the town and Past Rotary 3181 Assistant Governor, to help young Tejas. Javaregowda immediately responded to the request and contacted Rtn. Dr. Prashanth, an eye specialist at Madikeri and requested him to provide treatment to Tejas. 

Dr. Prashanth, who assured of helping Tejas, contacted Dr. Pallavi Prabhu of the private hospital in Mysuru and requested her to provide treatment and also perform the surgery besides assuring Dr. Pallavi that the cost would be borne by Rotary. 

Finally, the surgery was performed successfully at the private eye hospital in Mysuru on Aug. 20 and Tejas’ eyes were saved, following the initiative taken up by Rtn. Javaregowda and Rtn. Dr. Prashanth.

One day, I began to suffer from severe eye problem and unable to bear it, I immediately went to Periyapatna Hospital, where the Doctor, who examined me, told me about the disease I was suffering. I became depressed and was unable to do anything when Rotary organisation came to my help. Rotary not only got the disease cured but also gave me a new lease of life. I am thankful to everyone, who came to my help.—Theerthaprasad (Tejas) 

Humanity is very important to a man and responding to people’s problem shows the real value of humanitarian concern. Here, the help of Rtn. Dr. Prashanth played a very important role in getting the youth treated. —Rtn. B.V. Javaregowda, Past Rotary 3181 Assistant Governor