DMC&H Launches ‘Project ROSHANI’ to Combat Childhood Blindness in Punjab

Ludhiana, May 1, 2025: Department of Ophthalmology and Community Medicine, DMC&H in collaboration with SEVA Canada and Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, Delhi launched ‘Project ROSHANI’ a paediatric ophthalmology initiative aimed at eradicating preventable childhood blindness across Punjab.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Sh Mukesh Verma, Treasurer, DMC&H Managing Society along with Dr G S Wander, Principal, DMC&H, Dr Bishav Mohan, Chief Cardiologist, Hero DMC Heart Institute, Medical Supdt., Dr Sandeep Sharma and Dr Ashwani K Chaudhary, Dr Sandeep Kaushal, Dean Academics, DMC&H, Dr. Ken Bassett, Katie Judson and Dr. John Judson from Seva Canada, Dr Suma Ganesh, Director Pediatric ophthalmology and Mr. K. Anand Sudhan from Dr Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital, Delhi;  Key representatives from NGOs- Have a Heart Foundation, Noble Foundation, We Excel and FICCI Flo actively participated in the event. Faculty members from the Departments of Ophthalmology, Community Medicine, Pediatrics and Anaesthesia, DMC&H, were also present and extended their full support to the initiative.

Talking about the project, Dr Priyanka Arora, Project Head & Professor Department of Ophthalmology, DMC&H shared that ROSHANI is an initiative by DMC&H dedicated to preventing childhood blindness by ensuring early detection, treatment, and awareness of paediatric eye conditions, especially in underserved rural areas. The project focuses on screening camps, community outreach, and affordable treatment, including surgeries for children with serious eye conditions. Project ROSHANI aims to expand its outreach, ensuring every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity for a clear and healthy vision.
In his message,  Sh. Bipin Gupta, Secretary, DMC&H Managing Society, commended the efforts of  entire team and highlighted that, Project ROSHANI is not just about treating eye conditions—it’s about transforming lives by giving children a brighter, clearer future. I congratulate the entire team for this visionary initiative.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ken Bassett, Program Director, Research, Seva Canada said that the collaboration between Seva Canada and DMC&H in launching Project ROSHANI, the first of its kind in Punjab, marks a significant milestone in our shared commitment to combating childhood blindness. By working together, we are combining our expertise and resources to ensure that children in Punjab receive the care they deserve.

Dr Suma Ganesh, Director Pediatric ophthalmology, Dr Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital, Delhi said that Project ROSHANI is a vital initiative that addresses a pressing need in Punjab—ensuring that every child has access to early eye care and treatment. As a part of Dr. Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital, we are proud to collaborate with DMC&H and Seva Canada on this groundbreaking project.

Dr. G.S. Wander, Principal, DMC&H, added, Restoring sight in a child is not just a medical achievement—it’s a gift of a new life. Project ROSHANI stands as a testimony to our commitment to equitable, accessible and high-quality paediatric eye care. We must collectively work to ensure that no child suffers due to a lack of timely diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Bishav Mohan, Chief Cardiologist, Hero DMC Heart Institute stated that

Eye health is integral to a child’s development. Preventing childhood blindness is not only a medical responsibility but a societal one. Project ROSHANI brings together science, compassion and outreach in the most impactful way possible.

Dr. Gurvinder Kaur, Professor & Head, Department of Ophthalmology, DMC&H, said that Childhood blindness is a silent crisis that can severely limit a child’s future. With Project ROSHANI, we are bridging the gap between rural need and urban expertise. Every child deserves the right to see, to learn, and to thrive.