Hope, relief, and emotion filled the air at Bukedea Teaching Hospital as the Rajiv Ruparelia (RR) Memorial Free Eye Camp officially opened its doors, drawing thousands of patients eager for life-changing treatment.

From the early hours of Friday, crowds gathered at the hospital grounds some having traveled long distances from across Eastern Uganda and neighboring regions each carrying a shared hope: to see again.

By the close of Day One, more than 1,000 patients had been registered and attended to, marking a powerful start to what is already being described as one of the most impactful free medical outreaches in the region.

Organised by the Ruparelia Foundation in memory of the late Rajiv Ruparelia, the camp is offering a full range of eye care services, including screening, diagnosis, surgery, and prescription glasses all at no cost.

Unlike many outreach programs that focus primarily on diagnosis, the Bukedea camp is structured to provide complete treatment.
“We are not just screening patients and sending them away,” said Sheena Ruparelia during the opening. “We are here to provide real solutions from diagnosis to surgery to aftercare.”
Her remarks reflect a deliberate shift toward comprehensive care, ensuring that patients not only understand their conditions but also receive the treatment they need on-site.

A team of 15 Ugandan doctors, including specialized eye surgeons, is working with fully equipped facilities to carry out procedures throughout the three-day exercise.

Within hours of opening, the camp had already begun transforming lives.
Ten surgeries were successfully conducted on the first day alone, including two on children signaling a strong focus on addressing both adult and pediatric eye conditions.

Dozens of patients received prescriptions for corrective glasses, while many others were scheduled for follow-up procedures over the coming days.
For beneficiaries, the impact is immediate and profound. What was once blurred vision, pain, or darkness is now being replaced with clarity and renewed independence.

The turnout on Day One exceeded expectations, with patients arriving from districts such as Mbale, Gulu, and across the Teso sub-region, as well as from neighboring Kenya.
Leaders and organisers say this reflects a wider gap in access to affordable eye care services, particularly in rural areas where specialized treatment is scarce.

Bukedea MP-elect Beecham Okwere David described the camp as a lifeline for many families.
“This is giving people a second chance at life,” he said. “For most of them, even selling everything they own would not be enough to afford such treatment.”

For the Ruparelia family, the camp is not just a medical intervention,it is a continuation of a long-standing commitment to community health and a tribute to Rajiv Ruparelia’s legacy.
“This initiative started with our parents,” Sheena noted. “We have seen people regain sight after years of blindness. That is what drives us to keep going.”
This year’s edition has expanded its reach, introducing specialized services for children, including tailored prescription glasses and surgeries processed with additional support from Kampala.

The success of Day One was made possible by a coordinated effort involving more than 100 volunteers, medical personnel, and partners, including Mulago National Referral Hospital, C-Care, Bukedea Teaching Hospital, the Anita Foundation, and Victoria University.

In addition to eye care services, a blood donation drive held alongside the camp collected 45 units—further extending the outreach’s impact.
Dr. Lawrence Muganga, Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, praised the structure of the initiative, highlighting its focus on delivering full-cycle care.
“This is what makes this camp unique,” he said. “Patients are not left halfway—they receive complete treatment and support.”

With two more days remaining, organisers expect even larger numbers as awareness continues to spread.
Backed by an investment of over UGX 2 billion, the camp stands as one of the most comprehensive free eye care initiatives ever undertaken in the region.
As the sun set on Day One, one thing was clear: beyond the numbers and medical procedures, the Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Eye Camp is restoring more than sight it is restoring dignity, opportunity, and hope.