A group of volunteer optometrists and nurses has returned from Sri Lanka where they provided free eye care services and glasses to people in the regions of Kilinochchi, Mulaidevu, and Trincomalee. With the help of local translators and nurses, the team from Global Hand Charity saw over 500 people each day of the trip.

Global Hand Charity is a not-for-profit organisation that facilitates outreach programs to help communities in need all over the world. All volunteers are self-funded, which means all profits raised go directly to communities in need. While their scope of aid is diverse, their focus on eye care services is a key priority.

The recent trip to Sri Lanka helped meet the essential eye care needs of communities profoundly affected by civil war and political unrest.

Optometrist Patrycja Zelazny, who was one of the volunteers, described the program as “a huge success” and said its impact was felt deeply by people in the communities visited. One recipient said, “their kindness touches our hearts, their glasses opened our eyes, now we are seeing new adventures”.

Reverend Joshua, a Rotarian who worked closely with the Global Hand Charity team on the ground in Sri Lanka, was also moved by the program's impact. “The story of the Global Hand Charity in Kilinochchi and Mulaidevu is the greatest history of our time. You and your team put your feet as gold print in our soil,” he said.