Lions’ initiative for vision

An automated perimetry machine worth five lakh rupees, donated by the Dhun Pestonji Parakh Discretionary Trust through the Lions Club of Byculla, was presented to the Ophthalmic Department of the B. Y. L. Nair Hospital at Bombay Central and inaugurated by chief guest Lion Armaity Cooper in the presence of the Hospital’s dean Dr Ramesh Bharmal on April 9, 2016. Capt Percy Master, president of the Club, felicitated Dr Anjali Darius Nicholson, head of the Ophthalmic Department, appreciating her efforts in guiding the Club to achieve the stated aim of Lions International to eradicate vision impairment and blindness. The Byculla Club presented Nicholson, who is on the verge of retirement, a designer medallion, mentions an email received by Parsiana from Master.

(L-R): Dr Anjali Nicholson, Armaity Cooper, Capt Percy Master, Dr Ramesh Bharmal and Percy Buharivala

In 1981 the Club had partnered with the Hospital to set up the Ophthalmology Department, and during the past 35 years it has donated expensive equipment to help treat patients with glaucoma, cataract, retinal and other eye disorders, with the focus on children and senior citizens. In 2004 the Club supplied a mobile ophthalmic van which is still in use. To upgrade the department, the Club sought a grant of Rs 80 lakhs from the Lions Club Foundation and a project worth over one crore was undertaken. On completion, this was inaugurated by the president of Lions Club International. Master explained that the Club and Hospital "were not only partners but like a family and whatever help was asked was given by the Club.”
The email makes mention of the fact that Dr Arnie Buharivala and her husband Percy, both members of the Lions Club, had participated actively, dedicating themselves to the development of the Ophthalmology Department at Nair Hospital.